During a recent Morgantown city council meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to a proposed camping ban that many believe would further marginalize the city's unhoused population. The discussions highlighted personal stories and systemic issues surrounding homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorder.

One speaker, a council member with lived experience of homelessness, passionately defended her advocacy for marginalized groups, recounting her own struggles and the violence she faced while trying to create safe spaces for those in need. She criticized the council for targeting individuals who understand the complexities of homelessness more than others on the council.

Kelsey Stancliffe, a local resident, urged the council to reconsider the camping ban, appealing to their humanity by sharing the story of her young daughter. She emphasized that every unhoused person was once a beloved child, deserving of compassion and support. Stancliffe argued that the city lacks adequate services for the unhoused, calling the current situation a source of shame.

Licensed clinical social worker Savannah Lusk echoed these sentiments, highlighting the inadequacies of recovery services and the stigma faced by those with substance use disorders. She pointed out that many shelters are not accessible to everyone, particularly LGBTQ individuals and those with mental health issues, and criticized the notion that simply increasing bed counts would solve the problem.

Leslie Nash raised concerns about the vague language in the proposed ordinance, questioning how it would impact individuals storing personal items and the potential for multiple offenses under the law. She called for clarity and consideration of the rights of the unhoused.

Other speakers, including Erin Shelton, emphasized the barriers faced by those seeking housing assistance, such as long waitlists and discrimination from landlords. They argued that the proposed ordinance would not address the root causes of homelessness but instead criminalize those already in vulnerable situations.

The meeting underscored a growing frustration among community members regarding the lack of effective solutions for homelessness in Morgantown. Many called for a shift towards a \"housing first\" model that prioritizes providing stable housing as a foundation for recovery and support, rather than punitive measures that further alienate the unhoused. The council's response to these concerns remains to be seen as the community continues to advocate for more compassionate and effective policies.