Yes. I once called and told them that there were a large number of people living in the wetlands at Turkey Creek and said that it wasn't safe for them to be there. The police said they didn't care. The homeless shelters wouldn't go out there and offer them a ride into town either.

Why don't they just get the "neighborhood associaton" together and go over there with some blunt instruments and clean house, as it were? Run those dirty leeches back under a bridge somewhere.

(link...)

(link...)

Don't worry. In eight years, those homeless camps all over town will instantly vanish. We're almost two years in to the "Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness in Knoxville."

I'm afraid I detect a note of sarcasm. But do you feel much progress will be made?

But people down on their luck don't need to be threatened

Word

I once called and told them that there were a large number of people living in the wetlands at Turkey Creek and said that it wasn't safe for them to be there.

I'm not saying this is the ideal solution, but studies have shown that being around trees and natural areas helps people who are struggling with mental health issues. So we downsize our mental health hospitals - where do we expect troubled people to go?

a mini-tent city being set up by homeless people in the back yard of a condemned house

Not knowing the house, I can't comment on whether it was a physical threat to the community. But does anyone see the connection between removing housing stock and an increase in homelessness? Unless a neighborhood has a high enough resale value or there are neighbors willing and able to purchase and repair the house, it's quite possible a condemned house will languish. Abandoned houses and overgrown lots will be attractive to people without a home. People think getting a house condemned will help the neighborhood but it can lead to other problems. I'd suggest contacting the owner instead. It's quite possible if they are letting the house run down they may be ready to sell.

____________________________________
Less is the new More - Karrie Jacobs

Was out at Turkey Creek this past Sunday. 3 homeless folks were at a redlight soliciting, covering 3 of the 4 streets leading into the intersection.

If it has not been done already, I suggest the Neighborhood Association write a letter to the Mayor, a police captain or chief, building codes people, a few people (if not all) on city council. Be professional and constructive. Describe the problem and how it affects the neighborhood (safety, etc.), what has been done so far (without criticism of KPD), and what they and/or the neighborhood would like done. Ask them to contact the Neighborhood Association to discuss the problem and possible resolutions.

As many know and others of us are finding out, change is a slow process. It is amazing that results can be had, sometimes, with this approach.

Call me skeptical, but check Joe Sullivan's piece in last week's Pulse.

Is the "Quest to End Chronic Homelessness" quietly becoming a subsidiary of Lawler/Wood?

Just so everyone knows there is a way to stop people from occupying condemned houses, here's the path.

Call the Mayor's call center number (311). The woman abutting the condemned house said the person who answered was really, really helpful. The same day she made the call, the woman quizzed the police on what happened. They said they had told the people to leave and had seen them packing up so they left. After the call to the Mayor's office, the police went back, and this time made sure the people were gone.

Sometimes things do work the way you hope they will. Haslam's office deserves credit for being so responsive on this one.