South Bend has started a program to address chronic homelessness in the city.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg announced in a statement Thursday that a mayor’s working group met for the first time Wednesday.
The group includes members of local social service groups, businessess, city leaders, and local residents. The group plans on meeting over the next six months to develop a plan to target homelessness in the city.
“Homelessness is a long-term challenge that affects both the most vulnerable in our community and our residents as a whole.” Mayor Buttigieg said in a statement. “As we prepare for new homelessness housing options opening this fall, this group of community members, business owners, and policy experts will help develop a sustainable response to the human, social, and economic costs of homelessness.”
The issue got pushed to the forefront when city officials removed “Tent City”, which was a group of tents under the Main Street viaduct downtown where homeless people slept. A local shelter was established nearby.
The group will address solutions in housing, shelter, and short-term services as well as mental health, substance abuse, public safety, and employment.
1 comment
If you give them a home they won’t be homeless. I’m sure that is what we will do. Any bets that the pandering (on too many corners) in South Bend doesn’t even slow down? If these “homeless” people put as much effort into being a productive member of society as they do in pandering they might not be homeless. I know…I have no compassion!