Traffic blockages along Hilyard and Broadway have been reopened as the city of Eugene wrapped up the expulsion of the Whoville homeless camp.
By 1:45 p.m., 75 percent of Whoville camp had been vacated according to Jan Bohman, community relations director for the city of Eugene.
Homeless advocate Jennifer Frenzer was among the crowd of onlookers and supporters. Frenzer claims that there was no previous notice for the campers and authorities arrived at the site this morning beginning at 9 a.m.
“Today the Whoville sanctuary for the unhoused was surprisingly dismantled by the Eugene Police Department.” Frenzer said.
According to a press release issued by the EPD on April 4, the city posted notices on March 27 “that the property is not open to the public and that the clearing and clean-up of the area would begin after April 1.”
According to Frenzer when authorities arrived campers began to flee the campsite and have currently dispersed throughout Eugene. Frenzer said there is no current plan of where the former occupants will be staying.
“The population is traumatized.” Frenzer said. She and other advocates were hoping to receive notice prior to the demolition of the site, and are very disappointed with the outcome.
Scott Perey, UO alumn and local homeless advocate was hoping to contact “the neighbors at Autzen” before the closure of Whoville to discuss a location change. He feels as though the homeless and advocates have been cornered in their position because “channels of communication have left a lot to be desired.”
The press release from the EPD advised there are two “rest stops,” or legal sleeping areas in Eugene, as well as Opportunity Village, which opened in October. There is also a third rest stop near Leo Harris Drive.
“The City Council and staff continue to try to balance the needs and views of all parts of our diverse community, to find options for vulnerable people while also addressing health and safety concerns of the entire community,” according to the press release.
Jennica Asbury contributed to this story.