Deputies begin removal of homeless camps along Truckee River

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Monday, March 2, 1998 | 10:09 a.m.

The demolition began at a camp along West Fourth Street near McCarran Boulevard, according to Sgt. Robert Towery. He said the deputies would head east toward town to remove camps and debris.

The squatters are being referred to resource agencies for assistance in finding shelter and other services such as counseling.

"The river is no longer an option for these people," Michael Bender, director of New Haven of Hope homeless services agency, said last week. "We can give them other options to get off the streets."

Law enforcement officials say the issue is public health. Seventeen truckloads of trash were hauled away during a cleanup of the river three weeks ago.