During a recent government meeting in Binghamton, residents voiced their concerns regarding the rising issue of homelessness and the treatment of unhoused individuals in the city. Jacob Weber, a local outreach worker, highlighted the systemic injustices faced by the unhoused population, emphasizing that many are victims of economic conditions beyond their control. He criticized the indifference of those with stable housing, arguing that the lack of advocacy for the unhoused exacerbates their plight.

Weber pointed out that cities across the country are enacting harsh laws that infringe on the rights of unhoused individuals, warning that similar trends could emerge in Binghamton. He called for the city to take a stand for human rights, advocating for equal treatment under the law for all residents, regardless of their housing status.

Katie Fitzgerald, another resident and volunteer, echoed these sentiments, describing the removal of public benches as a cruel act that further marginalizes the unhoused. She condemned the city’s actions as state-sanctioned violence and class warfare, arguing that the criminalization of homelessness only perpetuates the cycle of poverty and abuse.

Chase Dufresne, who has been involved in outreach programs, shared personal experiences of witnessing the struggles faced by unhoused individuals, including instances of profiling and the destruction of their belongings. He stressed that homelessness is not an inherent condition but a result of economic policies and systemic failures.

Carmela Pierich, executive director of the Addiction Center, briefly mentioned the challenges faced in securing funding for a warming center, highlighting the urgent need for resources to support vulnerable populations during extreme weather conditions.

The meeting underscored a growing concern among residents about the treatment of the unhoused and the need for compassionate policies that prioritize human dignity and rights.