KENT and Auburn, Wash. — Crews are cleaning up a string of homeless encampments along a section of Green River Road between Auburn and Kent on Wednesday.
The cleanup effort is spearheaded by King County’s Road Services Division in collaboration with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority.
The goal is to clear garbage and debris that has accumulated on the stretch of road in unincorporated King County and to address rights-of-way on the road.
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn recently proposed creating an interagency taskforce to clean up the Green River encampment and connect those living here with shelter and services.
There are an estimated 30 encampments and up to 100 homeless people living in the wooded areas, along with large piles of trash and debris along a stream pouring into the Green River.
There is also what appears to be a chop shop.
The King County Road Services Division previously removed stolen vehicles from the area in preparation for Wednesday’s cleanup.
In a statement, Dunn said that he’s glad the county is taking action and responding to the serious concerns of the nearby communities.
“This is a good first step — but there is more to be done to fully address the sprawling string of homeless encampments in this area, connect more individuals experiencing homelessness with the services they need to get their life back on track, and maintain the safety and security of the surrounding neighborhoods. This is an important task, and one that I will continue to focus on.”
Dunn said the Green River site is a pilot project because of its size and longevity. Not only is it the largest encampment in unincorporated King County, but it has drawn complaints from the community for more than three years, Dunn said.
The county will began clearing the area on Wednesday morning.