ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The city of Rochester is working to clear a homeless encampment on Loomis Street after officials say it has been a dangerous area for those living there.

Corporation Counsel Linda Kingsley says there has been opioid use in the area with needles being found everywhere.

She says a woman died there over the weekend, although the medical examiner’s office is determining an exact cause of death.

Kingsley says the people living there were notified months ago that a fence would be going up to keep people out, but the city would attempt to connect people with services.

"[The county has offered] people options both in terms of drug treatment and in terms of shelter,” Kingsley said. “And unfortunately some of the folks who live there will not accept any of those options."

Advocates supporting the homeless occupying the space say it's difficult to put people into a shelter as many suffer from mental health and addiction disorders.

They say they fear the worse if the city continues down this path to clear the encampment.

"They have saved each other’s lives,” Recovery All Ways board president Stephanie Forrester said. “They work together. They keep each other warm. They feed each other. If they get displaced and separated, people are going to end up dying."

The city says anyone who continues to live at the encampment will be charged with trespassing.