On Tuesday officers from the Goldsboro Police Department visited Tent City to notify the individuals living there that they are in violation of trespass agreements in place for the private property and must vacate the premises.

Those who refuse to leave will be charged with trespassing. Tent City is a homeless encampment in the wooded area between Target and the railroad tracks in the 2700 block of Royall Avenue. It is believed that approximately 28 people are currently living in the encampment.

On Jan. 4, GPD officers conducted a walk-through of Tent City to familiarize themselves with the occupants, document the size of the encampment, and see the property’s current condition.

During this visit, officers told occupants that police would soon begin enforcing trespass agreements and that occupants needed to be prepared to vacate the property. GPD began posting No Trespassing signs in February.

Throughout the process, GPD has worked with the United Way of Wayne County to coordinate with local nonprofit organizations to offer assistance and resources for the Tent City occupants who will be displaced. The Tommy’s Foundation, which conducts weekly outreach at Tent City, began notifying occupants five weeks ago that they needed to leave by Mar. 25.

The United Way and Tommy’s Foundation are assisting help occupants get ID cards, find housing, and connect with family inside and outside the community.

The Salvation Army is working to open its shelter to those who need it.

The Goldsboro YMCA has also been engaged to determine how they can assist. Other organizations that would like to provide support should contact the United Way of Wayne County.

“The City recognizes the needs and sympathizes with the plight of the unhoused and further understands that this is a widespread epidemic in our nation. However, we are also obligated to address the public safety, health, and welfare concerns of all our citizens,” Interim City Manager Matt Livingston said. “In addition, law enforcement staff and others are sworn to enforce our laws and seek remedies for significant environmental nuisances that degrade the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. This is the first step in what we anticipate will be a long process. We plan to work closely with the community and various nonprofits to find solutions that will help us address this issue and achieve positive results for all, especially the unhoused population.”