MILWAUKEE — In less than one month, the "tent city" encampment in Downtown Milwaukee is expected to be cleared out.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation issued a notice on Friday, alerting those living in the area to vacate the premises by October 31st. About 90 people will be forced to pack up and leave the land owned by the State of Wisconsin.
"It just more-or-less hurt because there are people barred from the shelters. It's just sad," said Brad Collins, a former resident of the encampment.
Collins moved from the location near 6th and Clybourn to a shelter after several days of rain.
The homeless population in the area has grown significantly in recent years.
"It was inevitable," said Bob Burmeister. "We knew it was going to happen. The talk has been out there for months."
Burmeister has operated "Mr. Bob's Under the Bridge" for the past 12 years, serving the homeless community around Milwaukee. He offered up his mobile shower tailor for residents to use on Saturday,
"I think the focus for everyone in the city should be putting these folks in housing and a comfortable situation," Burmeister said.
Alderman Robert Bauman says that the city is working on providing support to those displaced, saying that the residents will be offered a place to stay by the end of the month.
"Milwaukee County has been working very hard to line up permanent housing for everyone who wants to move into permanent housing," Bauman said.
Residents are expected to pack up their belongings by Oct. 31.
