Fayetteville City Council approves $630K for one-year SafeCamp homeless initiative

The Fayetteville City Council convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding housing and homelessness in the community. The primary agenda item was the proposal for a one-year Safe Camping Initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis.

Councilperson Lort introduced the initiative, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The proposal includes a budget adjustment of $630,000 to fund the program, which aims to provide a temporary solution for the growing number of unhoused individuals in Fayetteville. Lort highlighted that the city declared a housing crisis in April 2024, and since then, the situation has escalated, with many residents facing severe housing instability.

The Safe Camping Initiative is designed as an interim strategy while longer-term housing solutions are developed. Lort noted that many individuals are currently living in precarious conditions, such as doubling up in homes or sleeping in cars. The initiative aims to create a safe space for approximately 40 individuals, providing essential services such as heavy-duty tents, bathroom and shower facilities, and 24/7 staffing for social work and management oversight.

Lort also addressed concerns regarding the previous iteration of the Safe Camping program, which faced challenges due to inadequate resourcing. This time, the proposal includes a comprehensive plan for staffing and support services to ensure the initiative's success. The council discussed the importance of wraparound services, including case management and hygiene facilities, to mitigate potential issues related to crime and health that arose in past programs.

The funding for the initiative is proposed to come from the city's general fund reserve, with discussions on whether to utilize a competitive bidding process for service providers or allow flexibility in execution. Council members expressed a desire for a collaborative approach, recognizing the need for community involvement in addressing the housing crisis.

As the meeting progressed, council members engaged in discussions about the specifics of the initiative, including the selection process for participants and the anticipated outcomes at the end of the one-year period. Lort expressed hope that the initiative would connect individuals with resources and ultimately lead to more permanent housing solutions.

In conclusion, the Fayetteville City Council's meeting underscored the urgency of addressing homelessness in the community through the proposed Safe Camping Initiative. The council's commitment to providing immediate support reflects a broader recognition of the housing crisis and the need for collaborative solutions moving forward. Further discussions and evaluations of the initiative are expected as the council seeks to implement effective strategies for the community's most vulnerable residents.