Advocates criticize imminent clearing of homeless encampments in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The City of Providence sent a vacate notice to people staying at two homeless encampments in the city this week.

According to letters the city sent to homeless advocates vacate notices were expected to go out Friday warning people staying in those encampments that they had 48 hours to leave.

The clearing was originally set for Sunday by was pushed out to May 14.

The encampments are on Houghton Street and Branch Avenue.

The city is also asking groups that provide services to homeless people to help as they relocate, while advocates said the decision is premature.

“It is totally unacceptable,” Providence College Professor of Sociology Eric Hirsch said. “[The city] should provide shelter.”

A statement sent out by Mayor Brett Smiley’s office said that “these sites have remained a serious safety concern since they were first reported to the City of Providence. Both have received multiple complaints and concerns from neighbors.”