Yakima Homeless Camp Set To Close Friday

Temperatures begin to drop to near freezing on Tuesday and that's when Yakima's cold weather shelters will open. The shelters are located at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Yakima, Central Lutheran Church and Englewood Christian Church. the shelters will be open until March 15.
And while the shelters are opening Yakima's homeless encampment on south 3rd street is set to close at midnight on Friday. Yakima Codes Manager Joe Caruso says they'll work with the homeless throughout the weekend. "We will be going there on Saturday and Sunday to make sure all the tents are down but the individuals can leave their things there until Monday the 21st."
Caruso says he suspects some may refuse to leave the area . He says if that does happen the city is required to gather their items and photograph and keep belongings for 30 days until the person can claim the items. The homeless will then be directed to area cold weather shelters or the Yakima Union Gospel Mission.  Caruso says the only way someone will be arrested is if they try and stop city officials from gathering up property on the parking lot on Monday.