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Residents and people experiencing homelessness press Wenatchee council for solutions
Summary
At the public-comment portion of the council meeting, several residents and people experiencing homelessness described thefts, safety concerns, and gaps in services; speakers urged coordinated responses, and one speaker proposed a managed tent city and improved garbage/needle pickup.
Homelessness and public-safety concerns dominated the meeting’s public-comment period as business owners, service providers and people experiencing homelessness addressed the council.
Amber Smelser, who said she owns A & N Plumbing at 1517 South Wenatchee Avenue, told the council her business was burglarized and said she and other businesses have experienced thousands of dollars in stolen tools and property damage. She said a nearby DOT homeless encampment “continues to grow every day” and asked city staff to engage; Amber told the council she had discussed the matter with staff (naming Lehi DeVries) and asked to remain involved with solutions.
Speakers representing service organizations reported volunteer and program activity: an organizer identified as Carlos said Project Backpack Buddies exceeded its goal of 500 backpacks for children in foster care and described fundraising efforts with Pinnacle Prep; Sean Drummond, a housing-services director for the Oxford House chapter, said his organization is coordinating with local treatment providers and asked how Oxford might partner with city efforts to address homelessness.
Several speakers identified themselves as homeless or formerly homeless. Joseph Reyes and Glenn Wilson urged the council not to stereotypically blame homeless people for crimes and described efforts within the homeless community to reduce public nuisance; Wilson suggested a managed tent city for winter shelter, offered to help run such a site, and emphasized the importance of garbage and needle pickup to protect families and children.
Council members acknowledged the comments and said staff would reach out to citizens who offered to help. The public comments framed a mix of safety, service and dignity concerns and set expectations for ongoing outreach between city staff, service providers and affected business owners.
