A Lexington council committee is exploring how best to treat homeless camps. Tuesday’s meeting included suggestions from the homeless community.
Fourteen homeless camps with nine on private property were identified over the last nine months. Several have been cleaned out. Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Director Polly Ruddick says human trafficking, waste of all kinds, and gunfire can be found in the camps. Ruddick says homeless campers are typically not the perpetrators of gun violence. She cited an incident when outreach workers were at a camp. “That came from a surrounding neighborhood into the camp. They didn’t want them there. So our street outreach team that is funded through the city grant and these homeless individuals were shot at,” said Ruddick.
Charles Bowers, who said he’s been in such a camp before, told council sometimes it’s just the best option. “The programs that you all have out here for us, they are working. But, it takes time, you know the shelters themselves can only hold so many of us out there,” suggested Bowers.
Catholic Action Center Co-Founder Ginny Ramsey asked council to consider an ordinance requiring a 21-day notice before camps are broken down and no action from November until March because of weather conditions.
Ruddick says there are waiting lists for housing and a need for more affordable housing funds.
The homelessness prevention and intervention director says a standard operating procedure is needed to address camp issues which include waste, safety, and health. Ruddick says there are currently about a half dozen homeless camps in Lexington.
Weku's Stu Johnson spoke with Ruddick following the council committee meeting Tuesday.
