During a recent government meeting, community members voiced their concerns regarding the growing homelessness issue in Cottage Grove, particularly in relation to the placement of homeless camps and their impact on local neighborhoods.

One resident highlighted the location of a homeless camp at the head of a bike trail, expressing frustration over safety concerns for families using the path. The speaker criticized the current approach to homelessness, arguing that it enables individuals to remain in their situations without seeking employment or assistance. They called for a more effective strategy to help those in need while also addressing the concerns of homeowners who feel neglected.

Another resident, Monique Peppers, shared her personal experiences with crime and safety in her neighborhood, recounting a robbery at a nearby business and the presence of drug paraphernalia in her yard. She emphasized the need for a distinction between homeless individuals who require help and those who engage in criminal behavior, advocating for targeted assistance for those genuinely in need.

Bonnie Sano raised concerns about the potential consequences of the city's homeless camp plans, warning that they could attract a larger homeless population and associated issues, such as drug trafficking. She urged the council to reconsider their decisions and involve the community in discussions about homelessness, suggesting that the matter should be put to a public vote.

The meeting underscored the complex challenges surrounding homelessness in Cottage Grove, with residents calling for a balanced approach that addresses both the needs of the homeless and the safety and well-being of the community.