So-called Elgin tent city for homeless being cleared out after $2.5M contract approved

ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) -- A so-called tent city in Elgin is being cleared out on Tuesday.

The Elgin City Council approved a $2.5 million contract to remove the eight-acre site along the Fox River.

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The process will take about two weeks.

Ruby Vigil built the structure she has lived in for more than 10 years, which has several rooms, a stove for heat and a generator for electricity. But the city of Elgin has given her a matter of hours to get out and two plastic bins for her belongings.

"I don't want to leave. I ain't bothering anybody," she said.

The encampment has existed for decades. But it became a safety concern after some fires last year.

"The two fires in December and one in January shined a spotlight on what's happening and the dangers that are here," said Elgin spokesperson Jeff Knox.

The city and social service staffers are working to move residents to the nearby Lexington Hotel for the next month while they get help looking for more permanent housing.

"These are people that don't have anywhere to live and this is an opportunity to get out of the elements and get the help they need to get back on their feet," Knox said.

Vigil said she's not looking for help. She feels safe in the tent city, and would prefer to stay.

"What the hell am I going to do? Look at it," she said. "I feel like I'm losing everything. I don't know. It don't feel right."

The city intends to have all the structures torn down and the perimeter fenced by the middle of February. They said anyone caught inside will be considered to be trespassing.

"Once they're out, fencing will go up. After Feb. 15, if anybody returns here, they'll be trespassing," Knox said.

The city has budgeted enough for 120 days for residents at the hotel. During that time, they say they'll work on finding permanent homes for them.

Visit ElginIL.gov/EHR, for more information.