The Springfield City Council voted unanimously to expand the car camping program for the homeless. It is modeled after one in Eugene. Churches and businesses have been allowed to have one car or motor home on site but can now have three. Niel Laudati is the city’s spokesman.
Laudati: “The city provides a portable toilet and we do some trash service. It’s very inexpensive for us. But it gives people a chance to rest in a safer place and it’s worked out so well.”
The change takes effect immediately. The City of Springfield pays about $7,000 a year and that amount will not increase. Campers can stay a maximum of 90 days.
City leaders are holding a meeting Thursday to recruit additional churches and business to open their parking lots to car camping.
