Help! The homeless are camping in my yard

FOR YEARS now homeless people have spent time behind the wall of my backyard.

There is a sheltered place there between my wall and a large building that is only used part time. Neighbors have reported this, but the unsheltered return. And I picked up the needles they threw over my wall and disposed of them.

The homeless have now discovered my side of the wall is even cozier, and I find their trash and clothing in my backyard between the wall and my garage and studio. I called 311 this morning (June 2) to report this and the first questions was “Are they there now?” Well, I do not know because I do not think it is a good idea for a citizen to confront strangers, even if they are staying out behind their own garage. And what does one say to people desperate for a safe place to crash? Or people who have mental problems? Or people using drugs? Or going to the toilet in my backyard? As a citizen of Albuquerque I always thought this sort of thing was a matter for the city to attend to. I even voted for millions of dollars to address it.

The next question 311 asked was, “Are there needles?” If I go out and check and report it the city has a crew, apparently, that will come and pick them up for me. I told her we have been picking them. Then 311 said she would “report it.” While I am waiting I would like to know if there are resources available for a citizen to build something humane (but) high enough and strong enough to keep the homeless from invading their backyard. I have thought of cruel things like prickly pear cactus to keep them out but, dear God — they are humans in need.

Human beings looking for a safe place to crawl into for the night.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

CARYL MCHARNEY

Albuquerque