Temporary Homeless Encampment To Open Soon Near Old K-Mart

A temporary homeless encampment is expected to open soon on city owned property near the former K-Mart store East Nob Hill Blvd. not property on Fruitvale Blvd. that was previously considered. Yakima city Mayor Kathy Coffey says the city decided to place the encampment on city owned property behind the former K-Mart store after hearing from local residents about their concerns about the Fruitvale site. "We had a meeting and heard from homeowners and business owners about concerns they had about the Fruitvale site."
And she says the council took action and cancelled the Fruitvale site. Officials from Transform Yakima Together plan to operate the camp after cold weather shelters close next Wednesday. The camp will be monitored and managed, open during the evening hours only and people will sleep in military style tents. The camp is expected to open within the next two weeks. Its expected to be open for 3 to 4 months as the organization works to create a permanent homeless center in downtown Yakima.