Hangtown Haven Homeless Camp to Offer Cleaner Safer Conditions

Placerville’s City Council has approved a plan for volunteer organizations to run an “official” city homeless camp.

Called Hangtown Haven the camp is authorized to begin operating Aug. 9 on an acre on land along Broadway Street on the outskirts of the city.

Organizers said the land was donated by the Wilkerson family, who live nearby.

Art Edwards, who serves as the volunteer project manager, said a bulldozer will begin clearing the brambles, poison oak and heavy brush Saturday.

Using donations from local churches, the camp will be fully fenced with tents, a garbage bin, portable toilets and wash stations, Edwards said.

Rene Evans of the Community Resource Center said there is an urgent need to provide a safe environment for up to 230 homeless people now camping in wooded areas in Placerville.

Evans said Hangtown Haven will make the community safer by reducing the number of illegal campfires, which is a high-risk for public safety.

The campground will be monitored by the Placerville police and fire departments to ensure safety.

The nearest neighbor is the Tijuana Taqueria, a restaurant in business for 12 years.

“It’s all right with me, especially if it helps people," said owner Miguel Delgadillo.

The camp will be permitted for a three-month test period.

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