Residents and commissioners urge coordinated response to homelessness after vandalism and encampments at Benton Harbor parks

Several residents and commissioners at the Benton Harbor City Commission meeting pressed city leaders for a clearer, coordinated response to homelessness and related public‑space vandalism.

Multiple speakers described tent encampments near downtown locations, Martin Park and other public spaces. Angela Berry, a resident who identified herself as someone with recent experience of homelessness, said she and others assist people at Sunday gatherings near the park and urged the city and service providers to work together on longer‑term solutions. "A lot of these people, homeless people, they have lost their jobs," Berry said. "They helped pick me back up, you know?" She asked for information about services and training that could help people regain stability.

Commissioner Mary Alice Adams and others described recent vandalism to newly installed park signage and said recurring feedings and gatherings have enlarged the population using the park, creating sanitation and safety concerns. City officials said the health department had observed unsafe food handling at informal feeding sites and that regular park hours and signage would be enforced where appropriate.

City staff and law enforcement said they had encountered people who declined offers of shelter or other services. The city manager said staff and social‑service partners are pursuing options; commissioners asked staff to work with county and nonprofit providers to identify shelter placements, job‑training opportunities and hygiene resources. One commissioner referenced regular service provider coordination meetings (Housing Resource Network, Michigan Works) and asked for follow‑up.

Residents also urged expanded camera coverage and more durable restroom access in parks. City staff said park bathrooms are operational but temporarily locked in response to vandalism; porta‑potties have been provided for scheduled events and staff will explore funding options and partnerships for longer‑term restroom and camera solutions.

Ending: Commissioners expressed sympathy for people experiencing homelessness and directed staff to continue interagency coordination, pursue service placements and report back with recommended next steps to reduce encampment impacts and protect public amenities.