Commissioners, service providers and residents debate housing services after homeless encampments affect downtown park
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Summary
Officials and community members urged a multi-agency approach after recurring use of a downtown park by people without housing; porta-potties and ad-hoc feeding drew crowds, and library director Brother Ray called for coordinated programming and services rather than leaving the issue to the city alone.
Benton Harbor — Commissioners, staff and community speakers discussed a recurring homelessness presence in a downtown park and its effects on the farmer’s market and nearby businesses.
Mister Little told the commission the city has placed porta-potties near the park but removed or locked some after repeated misuse; he urged finding an alternate meeting place for people who gather downtown and said the city has tried to coordinate with social-service partners. “What I think we all need to do is to find them another meeting place,” he said.
Brother Ray, who the chair identified as director of the public library, said the problem requires a holistic response involving local organizations, training programs and grant-funded services. He described workforce and rehabilitative programs that teach trades and skills and urged collaboration rather than expecting the city to handle the issue alone.
Commissioners discussed approaching the Salvation Army about using its grounds as a location for services; Mister Little said Salvation Army construction plans may be ready by April and that the city will continue trying to coordinate service providers and porta-potty sanitation during market days.
No formal policy or funding decision was adopted at the meeting; commissioners requested staff follow up with potential partners and provide any updates.