Thames Park encampment for people experiencing homelessness in London is coming down

Ronald Parker is facing eviction even though he's already homeless.

For the past six weeks, Parker has been living in an illegal outdoor encampment in a wooded area of Thames Park in London's Old South neighbourhood.

He's been without a permanent home for more than two years, ever since his stepmother died. Her house was sold, putting Parker and his sister out of a home in a city where they can't afford the market rent of about $1,800 a month for a two-bedroom apartment.

"It's been pretty rough," said Parker of the past two years. "Off and on, getting sick, hungry, moving back and forth, and just trying to find a stable place. The rents are completely out of control for anywhere in this city."

Parker is also due to have eye surgery this week to repair damage from an attack by a man wielding a tire iron earlier this year.

"It's a serious surgery, one where you need time to recoup," he said.

On Saturday, city bylaw enforcement officers posted a notice at the encampment. It orders everyone in the encampment to leave.

The notice posted on a tree says items left behind will be removed by Tuesday and stored for 60 days, during which time they can be claimed by the owners.

In a statement to CBC News, city staff said the encampment was ordered to be removed by London Cares, a group working with the city to help people experiencing homelessness. The statement said the encampment has too many tents, active fires and excessive debris, enough to require several truckloads to remove.

Parker believes he might be allowed to stay for a few more days, but no longer than that. He doesn't have a plan or a place to go once the encampment is removed.

"I have to live here," he said. "I've got no choice. There's nowhere to live."

In August, the city struck an agreement with the homeless advocacy group Forgotten 519. They agreed to work with outreach workers before taking down encampments. That arrangement was made after a member of Forgotten 519 staged a hunger strike demanding the city increase support for those experiencing homelessness.

Meanwhile, London Cares and city staff are working to create a winter response plan for those who sleep outside. It's expected that details will come to a city committee later this month.

Sean Horrell is the outreach co-ordinator with 519 Pursuit, a group that visits homeless encampments to deliver food and clothing and offer help.

Horrell believes the number of people living in encampments has grown sharply since last year.

"I'd say it's about twice as many encampments compared to last year. I've seen people sleep in this park to survive, and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone."