City To Allow Families At Camp Hope Homeless Camp
The Yakima City Council on Tuesday didn't act to create a permanent homeless camp on city property near the wastewater treatment plant. But the council did approve a amendment to a lease that allows Camp Hope to house families with children. Before the action only those over 18-years-old were allowed to stay at the camp. The city also approved a provision in the contract that assures people can't be barred from the camp because of religious or other beliefs. Camp Hope officials, according to the contract can't require people to be part of religious services to stay at the camp.
Camp Hope officials were hoping the city would approve other amendments to the contract like allowing Transform Yakima Together to operate a permanent camp at the site. But city officials say they'll talk about that at a later date possibly in June when all council members will be available.