New Bedford City Council OKs city homeless camp 'discussion' without endorsing idea

NEW BEDFORD - City councilors Thursday voted to take a look at a request that the city consider an authorized homeless encampment as a short-term emergency tool.

However, most members made it clear they were in favor of the discussion but not the camp.

City Councilor Shane Burgo made the request to refer the item - which he said was part of a report by a local group - to the Special Committee on Affordable Housing and Homeless Affairs that he chairs.

'Just a discussion about the ideas'

Burgo said before the meeting, "This is just a discussion about the ideas. We don't know where this will lead to." He also said he wanted to hear from both sides on the issue.

But, he added, the need is real.

"At this time I think it's cruel and unusual to tell this unhoused population you can't live under Route 18 but there's nowhere else for you to go. I understand it's not safe for them to live under the overpass on Route 18. But that's the discussion - where can we put them."

Functional zero homelessness the goal

He said the city's goal should be to reach functional zero homelessness. That's when a community's homeless services system is able to prevent homelessness whenever possible and can ensure that when homelessness does occur, it's rare and brief.

The city has reached that designation with homeless veterans, Burgo said, adding he's proud of the accomplishment.

He said data on the number of homeless in the city taken in the January point-in-time count hadn't been released yet.

Close to 70 people living on the streets in 2023 count

He said there were 373 adults that were either sheltered or living on the street in last January's count. He said 67 were living on the street.

He said the New Bedford Outreach Workers Coalition has done research regarding families and individuals currently experiencing homelessness.

Burgo said they would be putting together a more up-to-date report using this year's numbers that he wants the committee to review, along with their suggestions.

Safety and health concerns with unmonitored camps

Their thought process is that this is a safety and health concern, he said.

Unmonitored encampments lack proper sanitation. They also lack security, which can lead to violence and exploitation.

Burgo said if the committee review leads to further action there would be public hearings where those interested would be heard.

He added, "At the end of the day we don't want people living in tents. We want them to have permanent housing solutions."

Board voted 9-1 for discussion

The board voted 9-1 to refer the matter for discussion, with Leo Choquette voting in opposition.

And the board voted 9-1 against Choquette's amendment that would have referred the discussion to committee but omit any mention of tent cities or encampments.

Choquette said they should instead discuss "reasonable resolutions."

Burgo said he wasn't seeking council approval on a homeless encampment, only the opportunity for people with front-line familiarity with the problem to discuss the issue.

Councilors endorse discussion, not the camp

Councilor Brian Gomes said he didn't block colleagues from referring matters to committee for discussion, though he didn't support encampments and didn't think he would change his mind.

Councilor Shawn Oliver said he had "strong opposition" to encampments, but that the homeless issue needs discussion. Refusing to discuss it "won't make it go away," he said.

Councilor Ian Abreu said the issue deserved a deeper dive, but that he didn't support encampments now and probably never would.

Councilor Ryan Pereira agreed, but said it was important to show leadership and discuss tough issues. "I'm looking for a permanent solution."

Councilor Maria Giesta said the state and federal governments were at fault for the homeless issue, and that it's been a long-term problem. But, she said, the reality is that the city has a homeless problem and unsanctioned encampments now. "I look forward to the discussion."

Councilor Joseph Lopes said he supported Burgo but not a city-sanctioned encampment.

Councilor Linda Morad said she didn't see the problem in the council referring a matter to committee for discussion. "That's doing the job," she said. Though, she added, she may or may not support a city encampment.

Mayor Jon Mitchell has gone on record in opposition to setting up authorized encampments.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford City Council OKs homeless camp 'discussion'