Suddenly the Purple Cliffs population has plummeted from 500 (sheriff’s count) to 82 (Durango library count). The “unhoused emergency” seems to have moved on to greener pastures and they apparently have the means to travel. Despite months of “surveys,” do we understand who this population is, what they are seeking, and what percentage needs and deserves public assistance? I suspect the answer to each of these questions is no.
A very vocal segment of the Durango population wants emergency action to assist the homeless, but 84% of the targeted group has just left. Responsible elected officials should take a breath and assess what has transpired. Over 400 people swooped into Durango to benefit from its superior public services and its generous residents.
What did those 400-plus people contribute to this community? Panhandling, lots of trash and poor behavior are the primary contributions that I have observed. Before we create a managed camp that attracts even more vagabonds next summer, let’s prioritize our public spending for subsidized housing for low-wage workers and for the truly disabled needing public assistance. Let’s be accountable for the actual scope of the unhoused issue, not for some inflated public emergency.
Tom DeHudy
Durango
