St. Louis Clears Homeless Encampment Due to Health Hazards, Residents’ Complaints

The St. Louis government recently cleared out a homeless encampment that had been causing discomfort for residents in the area for three years. City officials took action as they felt that it had become an overall hazard due to lack of sanitation and growing size, making it no longer habitable. The couple residing at the camp is currently receiving services from the city, but further details cannot be shared because of privacy concerns. Residents living nearby previously sued the city for failing to remove the encampment despite multiple requests made to law enforcement and the authorities due to its impact on their quality of life. They claimed that St. Louis refused to act even after being informed about the situation, with some residents alleging that they had been subjected to aggressive behavior from the camp’s occupants. The petitioners further stated in court documents that noxious odors emanated from the tent and that neighbors witnessed the couple defecating over a sewer drain while straddling it. Residents could not utilize their front porch or yard as a result of the unhygienic situation, with garbage being thrown outside the makeshift tents by camp occupants leading to an infestation in rodents including rats. Cleaning work started at 9am Thursday and lasted until around midday when firefighters arrived on site to wash off sidewalks as part of cleanup efforts.