In a recent Cottage Grove city council meeting, residents expressed deep concerns regarding the management of local homeless camps and the potential partnership with St. Vincent de Paul. The discussions highlighted a growing frustration among citizens about the perceived lack of transparency and effectiveness in addressing homelessness in the community.

Several speakers criticized the current state of the homeless camps, describing them as unsanitary and detrimental to the neighborhood. One resident questioned the effectiveness of the \"housing first\" approach, asking how many individuals had been successfully assisted over the past two years. This sentiment was echoed by others who voiced their dissatisfaction with the city’s handling of the situation, suggesting that the camps have only exacerbated local issues, including health hazards and increased costs for cleanup.

Concerns were raised about the city’s decision-making process, with residents feeling blindsided by agreements made without adequate public input. One speaker emphasized the need for a citizen review board to ensure that those most likely to succeed in rehabilitation are prioritized for assistance. Another urged the council to clarify its relationship with St. Vincent de Paul, suggesting that the community was misled about the nature of the partnership.

The meeting also touched on the financial implications of the current homeless strategy, with estimates of cleanup costs reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Residents expressed a desire for more proactive measures, advocating for outreach programs that focus on rehabilitation rather than merely providing temporary solutions.

Overall, the meeting underscored a critical need for improved communication between the city council and the community, as well as a reevaluation of strategies to effectively address homelessness in Cottage Grove. The discussions reflect a community grappling with the complexities of homelessness and seeking a collaborative approach to find sustainable solutions.