McPherson Square homeless encampment to be cleared by National Park Service Wednesday

The National Park Service will clear the homeless encampment at northwest D.C.'s McPherson Square Wednesday.

WASHINGTON - The National Park Service will clear the homeless encampment at northwest D.C.'s McPherson Square Wednesday.

"NPS had originally identified April 12 for the action but moved the date at the request of DMHHS because high levels of illegal drug and other criminal activity impedes social services' outreach and endangers social services providers, mental health clinicians, unsheltered individuals, and the public" said NPS spokesman Mike Litterst in a statement earlier this month.

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McPherson Square homeless encampment

FOX 5’s Melanie Alnwick said approximately 70 people live in the camp.

"Additionally, the United States Park Police reports numerous instances of criminal activity and violence in McPherson Square and closing this encampment will allow the NPS to ensure the safety of the general public and those living in the encampments," Litterst continued.

Litterst said written and verbal notification was given in advance of the closure.

He added that NPS will work to connect people living in encampments with resources and housing.