During a recent city council meeting, Kayla Watson, a home healthcare worker at Sangamon Towers, brought urgent attention to a growing crisis affecting the senior residents of the facility. Speaking on behalf of the seniors, Watson described a troubling situation that has escalated over the past six years, transforming what was once a safe haven into a site of fear and violence.

Watson detailed how unhoused individuals, primarily from nearby areas, have increasingly trespassed onto the property, leading to a series of alarming incidents. She reported that seniors have faced violent crimes, including stabbings and robberies, and have been subjected to harassment and intimidation. The presence of these individuals has not only compromised the safety of the residents but has also led to significant emotional and physical distress.

The situation has deteriorated to the point where seniors are afraid to use common areas, which have been overtaken by unhoused individuals engaging in illegal activities. Watson highlighted the degradation of shared spaces, noting that amenities such as picnic tables and benches have been stolen or vandalized, leaving the residents feeling imprisoned in their own homes.

Watson called for immediate action from local authorities and community leaders, emphasizing the need for increased security measures and stricter enforcement of trespassing laws. She urged for a balanced approach that addresses the needs of both the unhoused individuals and the vulnerable seniors, advocating for solutions that ensure safety and dignity for all parties involved.

The testimony from Watson underscores a critical public safety issue that demands urgent attention and collaborative efforts to restore peace and security for the elderly residents of Sangamon Towers.