Huntsville’s South Derrick Street Camp improvements enhance safety and security

HUNTSVILLE – In response to a 2024 fire that damaged several shelters, the South Derrick Street Camp has undergone improvements to improve safety and security for the camp’s occupants, Huntsville officials announced.

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 city said.

“The conditions in the camp had become both extremely hazardous and unsanitary for those living there,” said Community Development Manager Scott Erwin. “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.”

The renovations included:

• 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 department notified former occupants about the steps required to register for participation, including the new community standards, which must be signed by each individual in the camp.

“The goal of these new community standards is to ensure safety and sanitary conditions in the camp,” said Erwin. “These guidelines were developed in consideration of the concerns raised by occupants and in coordination with CoC providers.”

To prioritize the well-being of the camp’s residents, Community Development will provide a variety of services through its community partners:

• CoC provider services: CoC providers will 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 provide services and build relationships with the community’s most vulnerable individuals.

“Huntsville is an incredibly generous community, and we greatly appreciate your support,” Erwin said. “To preserve sanitary conditions, we encourage everyone to work through a CoC provider to make donations.”