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Homeless group helps clean up the desert

Posted at 10:18 PM, Feb 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-04 07:14:36-05

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - If you're driving down Golf Links on the south side you might see something unusual. Across from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base lies an elaborate camp, built up of tents, towels and metal scraps. But, it's occupants aren't just living on the city owned land, they're also working to keeping it clean.

"The main thing is to clean up the desert and not just your own," said Kenneth Bamford. "You gotta show some sort of appreciation. Some sort of tangible means of being here."
 
Kenneth and his wife, April, have been camping out in the wash for about three years now. They started with just a shopping cart, but today, the camp provides shelter, food and warmth for several other homeless travelers. They can come and go as they please, as long as they pick up the trash from the wash. 
 
"Everybody can be taken care of as long as they are putting in some effort to follow the rules," said Kenneth. 
 
"Our goal is to not only clean up the desert but its also to help anyone who wants it," April added.
 
Each day, the group walks up and down the wash. They pick up paper, plastic bottles, and everything that isn't supposed to be there. Their problem now, is finding someone to take it away.
 
"We got a lot of trash piled up that could go. It's already ready to be loaded into a trailer and hauled out of here."
 
And for anyone who thinks they shouldn't be there, this is what they had to say: "It needs to be done and they're doing it so leave them alone."
 
If you are interested in helping Kenneth and April get haul away the trash, you can contact them at Skyhighkj8@gmail.com.