Activist warns against inhumane camping ban in Morgantown

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the potential for a cannabis referendum and the implications of a proposed camping ban in Morgantown.

A representative outlined the process for placing a cannabis initiative on the ballot, indicating that approximately 1,800 signatures would be required within a 30-day window. This translates to a target of 60 signatures per day, with plans to engage in door-to-door canvassing to meet this goal. The representative noted that if successful, the initiative would lead to a city election, which is estimated to cost around $40,000—double the expense of the previous election in 2021.

In a poignant address, Sarah Spade, a local resident and advocate for the unhoused, expressed her concerns regarding the proposed camping ban. She argued that the ban would criminalize homelessness and exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Morgantown. Spade emphasized the need for compassionate solutions that address the root causes of homelessness rather than punitive measures. She shared personal anecdotes about her neighbors who struggled with homelessness, highlighting the difficulties they faced even after securing housing.

Spade urged the city council to consider research-based solutions that could provide support for both the unhoused community and local businesses, rather than enacting policies that could further marginalize those in need. Her remarks underscored a growing call for a more humane approach to addressing homelessness in the city.