The growing homeless camp population in Colorado Springs
is grabbing the attention of the more fortunate.
is grabbing the attention of the more fortunate.
Posted: 8:04 PM Dec 13, 2009
The growing homeless camp population in Colorado Springs is grabbing the attention of the more fortunate.
Annie Gaffney posted an ad on craigslist.com saying she wanted to spend her birthday collecting and distributing items to homeless camps near downtown.
As Southern Colorado braces for another week with below-freezing overnight temperatures, the hundreds of people living in the so-called 'tent cities' hope they have enough wood and propane to stay warm.
About two dozen people showed up Sunday with supplies to America The Beautiful Park eager to help. "Its heartbreaking to see people struggle," said Gaffney. “I'm just completely in shock with how many people showed up with so much help.”
"I'm really surprised," said Bill, a member of the homeless camp along Fountain Creek. Bill has been homeless since the summer, and he's very thankful for the gifts.
A short drive up the road, 11 News finds a young couple living under the freeway on-ramp. "We're really excited, just the fact of wood made us happy cause it keeps us warm," said Carissa.
"It actually boosts my spirits. It actually shows that people are starting to care more," said Chris.
Support beams are used as food pantries and tarps hang to block the wind in the camp Carissa and Chris set up below the interstate.
"You just gotta do what you gotta do,” said Bill. “Cause if you give up, then you lose."
Every single volunteer hopes the donated supplies will help the homeless stay warm, as the cold night air sets in.
At last Monday’s city council meeting, the Colorado Springs Police Department presented a new ordinance looking to make camping on city property and in city parks illegal. The council said the ordinance did not have sufficient information. After more research is done, the proposal will be brought to the council in February.
Gaffney says she's planning another donation drop off next Sunday. If you’d like more information on how to help her out, you can send an email to annmarie1341@msn.com.
Annie Gaffney posted an ad on craigslist.com saying she wanted to spend her birthday collecting and distributing items to homeless camps near downtown.
As Southern Colorado braces for another week with below-freezing overnight temperatures, the hundreds of people living in the so-called 'tent cities' hope they have enough wood and propane to stay warm.
About two dozen people showed up Sunday with supplies to America The Beautiful Park eager to help. "Its heartbreaking to see people struggle," said Gaffney. “I'm just completely in shock with how many people showed up with so much help.”
"I'm really surprised," said Bill, a member of the homeless camp along Fountain Creek. Bill has been homeless since the summer, and he's very thankful for the gifts.
A short drive up the road, 11 News finds a young couple living under the freeway on-ramp. "We're really excited, just the fact of wood made us happy cause it keeps us warm," said Carissa.
"It actually boosts my spirits. It actually shows that people are starting to care more," said Chris.
Support beams are used as food pantries and tarps hang to block the wind in the camp Carissa and Chris set up below the interstate.
"You just gotta do what you gotta do,” said Bill. “Cause if you give up, then you lose."
Every single volunteer hopes the donated supplies will help the homeless stay warm, as the cold night air sets in.
At last Monday’s city council meeting, the Colorado Springs Police Department presented a new ordinance looking to make camping on city property and in city parks illegal. The council said the ordinance did not have sufficient information. After more research is done, the proposal will be brought to the council in February.
Gaffney says she's planning another donation drop off next Sunday. If you’d like more information on how to help her out, you can send an email to annmarie1341@msn.com.
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