Anniston City Council members discussed recent downtown incidents involving people experiencing homelessness or mental-health crises and asked staff to convene a multi-stakeholder discussion to identify responses that balance public safety and services.

Council members said perceptions of the number of unhoused people downtown and occasional incidents have prompted concern from business owners and residents. One council member said some incidents were later shown not to involve persons who were homeless, underscoring the need for careful response. Council members and staff described the issue as complex and said it reflects a broader mental-health crisis that limits available treatment options.

Council members proposed convening relevant parties, including city staff, service providers and nonprofits. Staff and council members said United Way should be included; one council member reported a separate meeting with United Way was already scheduled and that they would coordinate on stakeholder invitations. Other suggested participants included police, community support services, and representatives who provide outreach and transitional services.

Council members emphasized that the city should avoid quick punitive responses and instead develop coordinated solutions that involve service providers and community stakeholders. No formal policy or funding decision was made; council members asked staff to arrange the stakeholder meeting and return with proposed participants and next steps.