Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 26, 2021)
NOVEMBER 26, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A6 CAMP, Continued from page A3 “A lot of people say, ‘Oh there’s home- less people, let’s just dump it there and make them look bad,’” said Tim. “Does it look like we have time to bring couches and stuff like that out here?” Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 12 p.m. 10 a.m. has come and gone. An inmate crew has been brought in to clean up trash. ODOT has begun towing vehicles but Sara, whose RV is located on the oppo- site end of the camp, was told she still has a couple of hours before the cleanup crew reaches her. With the help of others, Sara had been able to clear a path of escape for her RV — which still won’t start. I ask Sara where she'll go if she’s able to move the RV. “I don’t know,” she says. “Wherever I can park it.” Matt Maceira, executive director at Be Bold Street Ministries, says there’s a vari- ety of factors that go into choosing a place to camp, but most often it comes down to wherever there’s room. Maceira struggled with homelessness for 10 years before starting Be Bold Street Ministries in 2014. “I want to show others that there is hope,” says Maceira. Maceira walks around the camp to talk with campers and off er a helping hand. He leaves at one point, returning 30 minutes later with a pair of size 11 sneakers for a barefooted man. Maceira said Be Bold Street Ministries tries to be present when- ever people are being removed to help with the transition. “If people have to leave things, we want to help them replace those belongings,” Maceira says. “We also want to make sure they have a safe place to sleep.” Two of these location restorations occurred in Marion County in the summer, according to ODOT. Tim says that sweeps are occurring more frequently and that he’s heard that offi cials are “clearing out Marion County.” ODOT said in their statement that Nov. 2 and Nov. 17, they restored eight property locations impacted by camping. “We are responsible for property and its management. We all know that there are many reasons why people choose loca- tions to camp,” said Beers-Seydel. “That’s why we work closely with our community service partners anytime people make the choice to camp on ODOT properties.” According to the city of Salem’s web- site, the site restoration was a success. “Indian School Road. On November 15, ODOT with Police and City crews, cleaned the area including trash from ille- gal dumping in the area,” reads an update on the website’s “Tracking Progress on Homelessness Eff orts” page. A half-mile north of where the camp was, 18 RVs and cars line Indian School Road. The cars sit parked a few feet from the road. Passing cars veer into the left lane to give them space. A school resource offi cer with the Bureau of Indian Aff airs walks along the precision of parked cars and takes photos. Many of the cars parked along the road are the same as the ones at the camp last week. Sara’s RV is one. Photo by JOEY CAPPELLETTI of Keizertimes Monday, Nov. 22 at 12 p.m. Every vehicle, piece of trash and camper has been removed from the Indian School Road lot. Fresh dirt has taken the place of the campers. A metal gate ensures that they won’t return anytime soon. ODOT officials say the campers have blocked access to a private farm at times. Photo by JOEY CAPPELLETTI of Keizertimes Officers walk through the camp but didn't directly help with cleanup. An inmate crew was brought in to help clear the area. Photo by JOEY CAPPELLETTI of Keizertimes Worship DIRECTORY These Salem-Keizer houses of worship invite you to visit. Call to list your church in our Worship Directory: 503-390-1051 YOUR CHURCH'S LISTING HERE Call Robin at 503.390.1051 www.KeizerChristian.org