California

Hangtown Haven

Kenneth Green (standing), the president of the community council at Hangtown Haven, warms himself by the fire with other residents in the early morning.

Kenneth Green (standing), the president of the community council at Hangtown Haven, warms himself by the fire with other residents in the early morning.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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Residents of Hangtown Haven nursed each other through drug and alcohol detoxification. They helped heart and stroke patients recover in their tents. On the outskirts of Placerville, Calif., population 10,000, the community served dozens of homeless people, with its own council, a wheelchair-friendly portable toilet and a library. But on Friday, the encampment -- believed to California’s only authorized, self-governing campground for homeless people -- shut down.
Read more: California campground for the homeless is forced to shut down

Morning coffee

Hangtown Haven resident Troy Spear, 52, makes coffee before the sun rises.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Preparing

Guy Johnson, 56, packs up his belongings.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Comfort

James Covington, left, looks on as Rebecca Nylander comforts Jennifer Webb, far right. Nylander is Hangtown Haven’s community council mental health advocate.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Talking down the flags

Community council Vice President James Adkins, left, and website manager Frank Matous take down the flags at the end of the day.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Comraderie

Lynda McCausland, right, hugs fellow Hangtown Haven resident Jennifer Webb.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Waiting to move

Lollie Desmond sits with Dorie, a chihuahua that belongs to another Hangtown Haven resident.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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