LITTLE ROCK, Ark.– “It’s harder than what people think,” Kenneth Beebe said.
While customers are cashing in or out at the Regions Bank off Markham and Bowman, those with very few funds have set up camp they call home nearby.
“I try to keep it cleaned up, most people don’t,” Beebe said.
Beebe has lived in the wooded area behind the bank for two weeks, the same spot where a woman was swept away with her husband and killed during flooding April 30.
“They came in and they put up notices,” Beebe said.
On Monday the city notified the half dozen community members they have seven days to leave.
“Any time a resident complains or business owner, the city does have to look into it,” said Lamor Williams, with the City of Little Rock.
The city says it’s the second notice issued in the area since April 21 and provides the individuals with homeless service information.
“We try to be as lenient as possible but still we try to follow our own rules,” Williams added.
“I’m really too mad to find any words right now,” said Aaron Reddin with The Van.
Reddin, who helps the city provide those services, says the timing of the eviction notice couldn’t be worse.
“She was washed away and drowned and before he can even bury her they want to come in and evict this man,” Reddin said.
Reddin says the notice also comes the day before a vote on a proposed ordinance that limits large groups feeding in parks and recreation centers owned by the city.
“I don’t get this punitive war on the poor that Little Rock City Hall has waged,” Reddin continued.
The ordinance would require anyone including, homeless service groups, to pay a $500 refundable deposit and $25 permit fee to feed people in public areas, also requiring a 30 day notice to the city.
“At this point I don’t care what they say, we’re going to go out and do what we do, arrest us I don’t care anymore,” Reddin said.
