HARRISBURG, Pa. — Over the last several weeks, more and more tents have popped up throughout Riverfront Park in Harrisburg.
“This is a matter of safety for everyone," said Dennise Hill, director of housing and economic development for the City of Harrisburg. "As I’ve repeatedly stated, homelessness is not a crime but trespassing is.”
Camping in a city park is prohibited, as is putting up any kind of structure without a permit, according to Harrisburg's city code.
Hill says concerns are growing over sanitation, but the city is not yet kicking anyone out.
“While it may be preferred they stay in Riverfront Park that is not a legal option," she explained. "So, the city cannot and will not endorse that.”
For now, the city is encouraging anyone who is unhoused to utilize the city’s winter overnight shelters.
They opened on December 1 and are available until the end of March.
Bill Christian runs Bethesda Mission men’s shelter, one that’s open year-round.
They work with the homeless population, and try to get them to move into the shelter, but many refuse.
“We have certain rules they don’t want to have to follow. We’re a drug and alcohol-free environment," said Christian. "Some of the other ones are to to a certain degree. There’s certain things they want to do they know they can’t do in these facilities so they stay on the streets.”
Shelters across the city are also already packed.
“There are hopes of expanding by with that," said Hill. "There’s a need for funding. There’s a need for staff capacity.”
The state also has plans to eventually clear out the encampment on Front Street behind the PennDOT building, due to the I-83 expansion project, leaving those living there to find another place to go.
A date has not been given, but Hill says PennDOT has loosely mentioned the timeframe of late 2024, early 2025.
“They’re gonna scatter. They’re survivalists, so they’ll find a place to go," said Christian. "Whether there will be another large encampment in the city where they’ll allow it, that’s yet to be seen.”
City representatives say if there are still people camped in Riverfront Park come the new year, they’ll take stronger steps to relocate them.
Download the FOX43 app here.