The deadline for people to move out of the temporary homeless camp on Highway 99 has been extended to Wednesday at dusk.
Some Lane County officials and community volunteers are showing up at the gravel lot to help campers move their belongings-- either to the Saint Vincent de Paul site down the street-- or somewhere else.
Cliff Gray lives on the other side of the tracks from Camp 99. He considers himself a neighbor so he’s here Monday to give a hand however he can.
“We’re helping people pack up for their move over to the new station, those that are going there. And providing for any bags, coffee, anything that they need. Making it as easy as possible.”
Gray is a rent control advocate. He says skyrocketing rent in Eugene is causing homelessness.
“One more increase and they come to camps like this.”
Thirty-two year old Steve Boggs hails from Oklahoma. He currently lives out of a tent at Camp 99. At this point, Boggs has no plans to sign up for a bed at St. Vincent de Paul’s nearby tent camp.
“I’m not too interested in being locked in a gate. Ya know, all of us are free because our forefathers fought for that.”
Boggs’ arm is in a sling and his dislocated shoulder pokes up through his shirt. He says he was in a hit and run on Bertelson Street Saturday night. He’s going to take the next two days to recuperate and make some decisions.
“I’m gonna come up. I’m gonna rise above this. It’s just some adversities just something to work through.”
Homeless campers have until Wednesday night to clear out of Camp 99.