Wichita’s largest homeless encampment, north of Chapin Park, will be shut down by city officials on Oct. 12, according to letters delivered to camp residents and exclusively obtained by The Journal. Over 80 people lived in the encampment, according to August data.
The letters, handed out Wednesday, inform Chapin residents they will not have access to their campsites after Oct. 12, stating that the wooded area will begin its clear-out process the next day, Oct. 13.
As The Journal has previously reported, the encampment, sometimes referred to as “Narnia” or “Tent City,” was once a refuge for the homeless. The city hasn’t released details on what clearing the area will entail, but previous presentations suggest constant site monitoring, trimmed vegetation and possible deforestation.
“Your safety and dignity are our top priorities during this transition,” the letter, signed by the city’s housing department, said. “Thank you for working with outreach staff to secure safe accommodation before the closure date.”…