South Derrick Street Camp undergoes new safety enhancements

In response to a 2024 fire that caused severe damage, the South Derrick Street Camp has undergone improvements to improve safety and security for the camp’s occupants.

Here’s what we know:

Improvements South Derrick Street Camp

The improvements address concerns raised by unsheltered individuals during listening sessions held by the City’s Community Development Department and Continuum of Care (CoC) providers.

The renovations include significant changes to the physical layout of the camp, including:

• Removing debris, clearing brush and disposing of illegally dumped concrete
• Pouring a hard-surface pad, which replaces the previous dirt lot to offer a more stable and sanitary surface
• Creating a 12’x12’ grid system with 84 individual spaces to provide more structured living areas
• Equipping each space with a 10’x10’ tent attached to a platform to keep occupants’ belongings off the ground
• Installing a metal privacy fence around the camp’s perimeter to enhance security
• Creating new entryways for emergency vehicle access

“The conditions in the camp had become both extremely hazardous and unsanitary for those living there. In addition to making it a safer, more stable environment, this allowed us to reassess the camp and how we provide essential support services while occupants work toward finding more permanent housing solutions.”

Scott Erwin, Huntsville Community Development Manager

More support

To prioritize the well-being of those living in the camp, Community Development will continue to provide a variety of services through its community partners:

• CoC provider services: CoC providers will visit the camp routinely to offer essential services, such as housing case management and outreach, food, clothing, supplies, substance abuse recovery assistance and emergency and preventative healthcare.
• Community outreach unit: The Huntsville Police Department’s Community Outreach Unit will continue to engage with camp residents to provide services and build positive relationships with the community’s most vulnerable individuals.

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