State clears several Keene encampments

The largest cleanup took place on a property along Ash Brook Road near the Route 9/10/12 interchange.

New Hampshire’s latest homelessness counts point to a growing need across the state. The annual point-in-time survey taken in January found about 1,728 people without shelter in 2024, including 729 families, 128 veterans and nearly 600 young people. The N.H. Coalition to End Homelessness said in its 2025 N.H. State of Homelessness report that the total is likely lower than the reality because some people who usually live outdoors spend colder months in temporary shelter.'

Against that backdrop, state crews removed multiple encampments in Keene last week from land owned by the state, cleaning out campsites and hauling away trash, according to Jennifer Lane, chief communications officer for the N.H. Department of Transportation.

The largest cleanup took place on a property along Ash Brook Road near the Route 9/10/12 interchange, where the N.H. Department of Transportation worked with N.H. State Police and the Keene Police Department. Lane said people staying there were given notice on Aug. 25 and told they had 10 days to leave. By the time the site was cleared on Sept. 17, roughly 10 campsites were still there.

Lane also said smaller encampments were removed near Washington Street and along the Appel Way Trail between Wheelock Park and Ashuelot River Park. The state has not yet explained what prompted the removals.