Chillicothe — Council again heard from supporters of the homeless as the proposed “anti-camping” legislation continues through committee review.
The ordinance is not on the agenda yet, but Lisa Bennett’s Community Affairs committee heard from the public in a meeting just before the council session. (Bennett left after the council session before I could speak with her.)
She takes up this homeless issue just after seeing her committee’s “cannabis moratorium” passed.
Additional speakers in the public address portion of the council session opposed the proposed “anti-camping” ordinance that would address homeless camps.
Also offered at council was a handout that incorporated the letter from the law director requesting the legislation; the wording of the two-page proposed ordinance; and a list of community assistance resources from Ross County Job & Family Services.
The ordinance would ban people from sleeping in the public right-of-way such as sidewalks, streets, alleys, public benches, and under bridges.
Police would give 24-hour notice before removing the campsite and all personal property.
Penalties would include a minor misdemeanor citation for a first offense, a 30-day ban from public parks for a second, and a 4th-degree misdemeanor charge if the 30 days are not respected.
A similar controversy arose in 2022 with a proposed ordinance making it illegal to camp on public grounds. It was eventually tabled and never passed.
In the council session, the first speaker was Jamie Brown, a former councilman who works with workforce development and substance abuse programs at Sojourner’s Care Network. He said he primarily serves homeless youth, and said most of the chronic unhoused – 57% to 70% – have untreated mental illnesses.
Brown said homelessness disproportionately affects two populations: LGBTQ+ and veterans. He said there has been an 18% increase in homelessness nationally in the last three years – except for one population that has decreased: veterans.
Brown said it was not because of laws, but because of efforts in providing housing, benefits that give access to mental health, and workforce and job skills development.
He said it was disheartening that first reaction was a new law, when there is clear evidence of a better way.
Brown said the statistics show that at least half of the homeless under the Main Street Scioto River bridge have mental health issues – and he said he feels it is closer to 70%.
They are the most vulnerable population, and he said he appealed to the humanity of the room. “We all agree…folks should not be sleeping down by the Scioto – that is dangerous. But how we approach it is really going to define sustainability.”
Brown also has a Facebook page where he makes posts on such issues.
Wes Souders, senior pastor of Trinity Methodist Church, said he represented Trinity and Walnut Street Methodist churches “in opposition to any criminalization of homelessness.”
He said we need to address this as a community, and that there are other options
Amy Fitton is a homeless volunteer (as well as a local naturalist). She said she works as a volunteer with Walnut Street Methodist on their community breakfast, and has had many conversations with homeless people.
Fitton said it is disturbing that this path is to put people in jail, when there is a lot of great resources and networking in Chillicothe. She said she does not see any benefit to put someone who lacks resources like a car or computer in jail.
Hear the three in their own words in the below videos of their addresses to council.
