Portsmouth Police were called to the Young Street Viaduct — a well-known encampment site for the city’s homeless population — after reports of a cut fence and trash buildup beneath the overpass.
When officers arrived, they spoke to a man found just outside the fenced area, surrounded by scattered belongings and debris. Inside the broken fence, they discovered rocks had been rearranged and a tent had been erected — but no one was present at the time.
Officers told the man that he could not camp inside the fenced area and that the trash would need to be cleared that day. City Code Enforcement was also called to the scene and said they would repair the fence with a chain to prevent further trespassing.
This is just one of many similar scenes unfolding across Portsmouth, where nearly a dozen known encampments now dot the city — many in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. The Young Street Viaduct, in particular, has long been a hotspot due to its partial shelter from the elements and proximity to other homeless services.
Why You Can’t Just Let People Stay in Places Like This
While some may ask why officers don’t simply “let them stay,” officials say the reality is far more complicated — and dangerous.
“These sites often lack proper sanitation and pose serious risks,” one officer noted. “If someone gets hurt or a fire breaks out, the city could be liable.”
Condemned and restricted areas aren’t built for human habitation. Allowing people to stay in them — even with good intentions — puts everyone at risk. Property owners, including the city, must meet strict safety and habitability standards before anyone can legally stay in a structure or defined space. If taxpayer money or shelter aid is involved, the bar is even higher.
Progress Is Being Made — Slowly
Not everything is bleak. One bright spot has been the newly opened day shelter at 802 Washington Street, operated by The Counseling Center in partnership with community advocate Darren Mault. Since opening quietly in July, the center has offered a warm place to rest, food, hygiene services, healthcare referrals, and case management.
Even without a formal announcement, word spread quickly, and the building is already seeing heavy use. It’s helped dozens avoid dangerous encampments like the one under the viaduct.
💬 What Should Be Done?
Should the city be doing more to expand access to safe, legal shelter? Should it invest in sanctioned camp zones or tiny homes? Should local churches and organizations step in with greater urgency?
Tell us what you think. The problem isn’t going away, and each day brings new reminders that Portsmouth’s most vulnerable residents are living — and sometimes dying — in the shadows of fences, bridges, and boarded-up buildings.
