Controversial Homeless Encampment In Manchester Removed

MANCHESTER, NH — Early Friday, New Hampshire State Police arrived with several troopers at the homeless encampment located outside the Hillsborough County Courthouse in Manchester.

The encampment had grown in size across several months as people gathered on property owned by the state of New Hampshire. Protests occurred throughout the week as the deadline posted by the state passed.

The land that is owned by the state but the courthouse building is leased. The city of Manchester has looked to the state to remedy the situation with permanent housing, mental health, and rehabilitation services. The state posted notices the encampment needed to be cleared out by Nov. 16.

Manchester has 30 known homeless camps throughout the city of Manchester, the courthouse property is the only one on property belonging to the state of New Hampshire.

NHSP troopers advised the residents that they had the opportunity to pack up their items, and remove them to a waiting area set up adjacent to the encampment. Members of Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Granite Recovery were in the area to arrange places for the people to go.

Some residents of the encampment picked up their items, and NHSP Troopers assisted them packing their things, roll up mattresses, and break down the tents. Other residents who refused to move were warned that a bio-hazmat cleanup team would be arriving to remove the items which hadn’t been removed by the residents.

Manchester Fire and AMR Ambulance crews were called to the scene for a person described as possibly overdosing. The person initially refused treatment but based on medical conditions he was walked to the ambulance with the assistance of MFD, AMR, and NHSP. He was transported to a local hospital.

At 9 a.m., a bio-hazmat team arrived bringing boxes of garbage bags while wearing protective gear. Tents, and belongings were placed in large trash bags with some of the residents moving them to the sidewalks. Other debris and items were piled up and removed by the workers.

A company arrived with temporary fencing to begin erecting the tents in the spaces which were cleared. Residents which at this point hadn’t moved were issued summons for trespassing.

One resident who refused to leave when the encampment had been cleared was arrested by NH State Police.

As the morning progressed several people protesting the break down of the encampment arrived as well as more outreach workers directed to the site by the city of Manchester.

In the early afternoon several protestors who were not part of the encampment began to clash with police. Two protestors were arrested, one by Manchester Police and one by state police when conflict spread to Chestnut Street stopping traffic.

The fence which is temporary until a permanent one can be erected secures the area that previously had the encampment and will be paroled by NHSP.

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©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news