Wichita police say their Homeless Outreach Team has been responding to concerns about encampments of homeless people at a downtown intersection.

Tents were reported on sidewalks at 2nd and Topeka, and area businesses and agencies have been talking to the police department about the issue.  The camps are near a United Methodist Open Door facility.

Police Captain Wendell Nicholson said it can be a delicate balancing act to address the needs of the homeless along with public safety issues, local ordinances and the concerns of area businesses.    Nicholson said tents without a permit are not legal, but the HOT team will talk with homeless people to educate them about ordinances and give them 24 hours to relocate.   He said the team will take people to receive services that they need.    After 72 hours, any debris or abandoned tents will be cleared.

Nicholson said on average there are 700 to 800 calls a month for emergency services for homeless people who gather in the 2nd and Topeka area.   He said Open Door and other businesses have recently signed trespass affidavits to discourage homeless people from blocking sidewalks and doors.   Informational flyers have been distributed by police officers and Open Door officials to inform people about keeping sidewalks clear.

Nicholson said the HOT team works to educate homeless people and help connect them to needed services and shelter, and no one has been arrested for setting up an encampment.    He said the area of 2nd and Topeka has experienced more incidents of violence than other homeless encampments, and there have also been higher rates of drug use and distribution in that area.