Elk Island Trading Group Leads Efforts to Relocate Homeless Camps Amid Rising Waters

In September 2023, Roseburg's first approved homeless campground was established under the SE Washington Avenue bridge. This initiative, spearheaded by the Elk Island Trading Group, aimed to provide a structured environment for unhoused individuals, offering both shelter and support while fostering a sense of community. The campground accommodates up to ten tents, with two people per tent, and is monitored around the clock to ensure adherence to rules prohibiting alcohol and drugs. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily chores, fostering responsibility and teamwork.
This past week, the campground faced a critical test as heavy rainfall caused river levels to surge. Multiple homeless camps under the SE Washington Avenue bridge and surrounding areas were at risk of flooding by the South Umpqua River, with water levels reaching a peak of 19.47 feet on December 29, 2024, at 4:00 PM. The Elk Island Trading Group, led by Operations Manager Bernie Woodard, played a vital role in safely relocating these camps to higher ground.

Strategic Relocation and Coordination
As the South Umpqua River rose rapidly, peaking at 19.47 feet on December 29, 2024, at 4:00 PM, the homeless camps under the SE Washington Avenue bridge and nearby areas faced imminent flooding. The Elk Island Trading Group, led by Operations Manager Bernie Woodard, took swift action to relocate the camps to higher ground, ensuring the safety of all participants and their belongings.

“Yesterday's water level at the Oak and Washington Bridges went to 19.47 feet at 4 PM," Woodard explained. “I am proud of our Bridge Camp participants who worked with Richard, Josh, and myself to ensure that not even a speck of paper went downstream, nor a tent ended up in the water. Real solutions to homelessness are not just about providing a place to camp, but creating a system where people can work together to overcome challenges."
Using NOAA river level data and their local expertise, the team carefully calculated safe relocation zones. Once items were moved to higher ground, all camp participants were evacuated to private emergency shelter beds as an additional safety measure.
Rising Waters and the Role of Elk Island
During the peak of the flood, the South Umpqua River expanded to nearly 700 feet wide, reaching within a few feet of the relocated camp's lower dry area. Thanks to proactive planning, no damage occurred, and all residents remained safe.
Woodard also took the opportunity to address a common misconception about Elk Island. “Despite what some believe, Elk Island does not flood every year. The island was once a peninsula connected to the Laurelwood community, but erosion and the Great Arkflood of 1861 created the channel we see today. Thanks to the Galesville Reservoir, we now see less flooding in the winter, as the reservoir helps regulate water levels.”
Woodard emphasized that Elk Island has historical significance and deserves recognition and preservation efforts. The island continues to face erosion from high water events, but it remains a critical success story in balancing modern flood management with community needs.
Homelessness Solutions in Action
The recent flood response highlights Elk Island Trading Group’s practical approach to addressing homelessness. By encouraging teamwork and responsibility among camp residents, the group has shown that supporting individuals can lead to meaningful and lasting solutions.
Woodard summarized this philosophy: “Homelessness isn’t just about providing a place to camp. It’s about creating systems where people work together to overcome challenges. With the right support and alternative living areas, homelessness can become a thing of the past.”
The swift actions during the flood event helped avert disaster, demonstrating that effective planning and community support can make a significant difference in protecting vulnerable populations.
Looking Ahead
As the South Umpqua River continues to recede, Elk Island Trading Group remains committed to supporting the unhoused population in Roseburg. The recent flooding highlighted the importance of preparation, collaboration, and compassionate action in addressing both homelessness and environmental challenges. The group’s efforts serve as a model for other communities facing similar issues, demonstrating that when people come together, real solutions are possible.





The pictures above show that the camps are dry even with the final crest water level of 19.47ft.
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