Sweep of Blakeslee Junction homeless encampment underway in Centralia

This morning, state and local agencies began sweeping Blakeslee Junction, an encampment of about 25 people between Interstate 5 and a three-way railroad crossing at the end of Eckerson Road in Centralia.

The land is owned by the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT). In about two weeks, it will belong to Rainier Rail. A purchase and sale agreement, which requires that WSDOT clear the land before the transfer, was finalized and occupants were given a one-week deadline to move out before today.

With the deadline nearing, occupants at the encampment early this morning were scrambling to secure their belongings. The Salvation Army and staff and volunteers from Gather Church in Centralia have been helping people pack up and move their stuff. 

Excavation has begun on some of the years-long accumulation of trash, wood and debris. Several residents have left the encampment in RVs. Where they will go remains a mystery to them.

The Salvation Army has a night-by-night shelter open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at 303 N. Gold St., Centralia.

“I know there are a myriad of conflicting opinions on this, ranging from those of you who think this shouldn’t happen to those who wonder why it hasn’t happened sooner. I ask today for you to focus on compassion,” wrote Centralia Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston in a Facebook post. “We need your prayers and healing thoughts. First and foremost for the people who have to leave their current home.”

This article will be updated at chronline.com and in Thursday’s edition of The Chronicle.