TRAVERSE CITY — There was a heavy police presence in Traverse City because people living in The Pines homeless encampment were asked to leave.
The Traverse City Police Department was allowed to start their no-camping enforcement Tuesday at midnight, but they waited until this morning to clear people out of The Pines.
This comes after the city commission approved a Land-Use Permit to allow the Safe Harbor Emergency Shelter to operate year-round.
Peter Shomin has been living on and off in The Pines since he was 25, now 61, and he was asked to leave again. With no plans for where to go. He still has hope.
”Heartbroken. I think about the homeless people and knowing that they die of heartbreak,” he says, “I know that‘ll work out. I got the great spirit on my side.”
The Traverse City Police Department headed into The Pines just after 7 a.m. Wednesday. They blocked off the encampment from Division to Elmwood Street. Fourteen people were asked to leave The Pines, Shomin being one of them, said he didn’t grab anything.
“Everything I love. I was trying to get my back, but they had that bright light on me so much,” Shomin said. “I was trying to find, I was confused, woke up.”
All people living in The Pines complied with TCPD’s requests. No arrests or tickets were given out.
Audrey Ouillete, who once lived in The Pines, said the action was inhumane.
“We have forgotten that we are a community and we’re supposed to take care of each other,’ Ouillete said. “These people are suffering and they’re human too. Just like everyone else. They’re just trying to survive. To live a life where you’re trying to survive every day. It‘s hell.”
Ouillette came to Traverse City to become a tall ship sailor. But now that dream has changed after 7 years without a home of her own.
“I realized that my dream is to help people, and I’m here to help my community; that‘s more important. We have gotten away from community, and now it‘s time to start fighting for community and helping each other.”
TCPD’s Quick Response Team spoke with people in The Pines before they left. Police said they are planning to store belongings for some of the people while they figure out their next steps.
“I spoke in front of our command post and all the officers involved in this,” Chief Matt Richmond said. “Our number one goal was compliance, to be professional, respectful and compassionate when dealing with these individuals… It is it‘s not a place for people to be living in The Pines."