Humboldt Park news: City of Chicago begins clearing homeless encampment near North and California avenues [Video]

CHICAGO (WLS) — All Porfiro Elliott and his fiancée Melissa Johnson can do is comfort one another.

“I just feel sad and wow, scared. I just want us to be able to stay together,” Johnson said.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The couple watched as the city made good on its promise to clear the Humboldt Park encampment for people experiencing homelessness.

They have lived here for the last six months after falling on hard times and did not want to give up their independence to live in a shelter.

“I was agreeing to move out. I sent the paper too, but the park district people came and destroyed my home. That’s my last home. My clothes my work boots,” Elliott said.

Removal of the encampment near North and California avenues began Friday morning.

Several dozen people were living there. Community advocates helped them pack up their belongings to leave.

“It hurts. I’m heartbroken, but they …