Development project displaces homeless camp in Coeur d’Alene
A Coeur d’Alene development is pushing a homeless camp off the land, reviving a pattern that left dozens searching for shelter near Target in 2014.
A development project in Coeur d’Alene is forcing a homeless camp off the land, pushing campers toward Kootenai County’s shelter network. Kootenai County’s 2022 point-in-time count counted 143 homeless people in Region 1, including 77 in sheltered situations and 66 unsheltered, while the City of Coeur d’Alene’s 2023-2027 draft Consolidated Plan for the Community Development Block Grant program was approved by HUD on Sept. 26, 2023.
In October 2014, dozens of homeless people were forced out of a makeshift camp in a wooded area by a shopping mall and started looking for new homes after the land was moved into development. Jeff Conroy, then executive director of St. Vincent de Paul of North Idaho, said Spokane developer Harlan Douglass planned to sell the land and wanted the homeless residents off the property.
Kootenai County’s main office is at 451 N Government Way in Coeur d’Alene, with phone 208-446-1883. Available help includes 4144 W. Industrial Loop for energy assistance, water assistance, weatherization, food bank access, budget classes and budget counseling; 772 W. Kathleen Ave. for rent and utilities help; and 1866 N. Cecil Road in Post Falls for rent and utility assistance plus a food pantry. People experiencing homelessness can contact the nearest regional access point, discover immediate resources and connect with an emergency shelter in their region.
Coeur d’Alene’s camping code is Section 4.25.090, which makes it unlawful to camp or maintain a campsite overnight or longer on public property.
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