Dallas closes third homeless camp this year

The City of Dallas closed another homeless camp on Tuesday, this one under Interstate 30 at Haskell Avenue.

It’s the third such closure this year, but many of the homeless say they're simply moving to another site nearby. Advocates say a lack of housing is a major issue, but fixing the problem will require more creative solutions.

Several people did commit to going to shelters or treatment programs -- but a large number will remain on the streets.

One man told FOX4 he's waited about two years for long term housing. Another woman said she has an apartment but still chooses to stay part-time under a bridge.

“I don't even want to go home. There's just nothing there for me. They dropped me in the middle of the hood and said live your life,” said Renee Caplicki.

A concern is the cold winter months coming up -- and Dallas police say they will enforce no trespassing signs under bridges.

There is also a population of the homeless who are banned from shelters because of disruptive behavior and where to house them adds another yet layer to a complex issue.

“Now we also have to look at another option of where people can actually go and camp out, stay out. That's different. We've never looked at that as a serious option but now we'll need to,” said Dave Hogan, DPD Crisis Intervention Unit.

The crisis intervention unit says it will be keeping a close eye on another nearby encampment to make sure it doesn't grow into another tent city.