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Public commenters urge new approaches to homelessness; county rental assistance highlighted
Summary
Several public commenters urged more action on homelessness, including a managed tent camp and improved outreach; staff said Macomb County Community Action has new rental and security-deposit funding available and directed residents to those resources.
During both public‑comment periods the Mount Clemens City Commission heard multiple speakers pressing the city and regional partners to respond more effectively to homelessness and to public‑health needs.
At the meeting’s first public comment period, Summer Paris Chaffy said she was unhoused and proposed creating a "tent city" with supervision and services so people could find work and housing. Several other commenters described difficulty affording rent and uneven outreach from service providers.
City staff used a brief pause in the meeting to announce that Macomb County Community Action has a new state‑funded rental assistance program, including security‑deposit aid, and explained the documentation residents should bring to apply. At the second public comment period, a resident who identified himself as Steve read a poem and urged more humane local treatment of people experiencing homelessness.
Commissioners and staff acknowledged the comments and noted local resources: the library will host walk‑in hours (3–5 p.m.) to help people facing eviction access assistance through Macomb County Community Action; staff said the county program does not require a court date but does require a landlord letter with rent/security‑deposit amounts. Commissioners said they will continue conversations with county partners and local nonprofits about operational gaps and opportunities to coordinate services.
Why it matters: Residents asked for practical, immediate options for people without housing and for better outreach about available assistance. City staff pointed to newly funded county programs that could help individuals obtain housing and security deposits.
What’s next: Staff and commissioners said they will continue to work with the county and local nonprofits and that information on programs will be posted on city channels; commissioners encouraged residents to attend DDA and committee meetings where operational responses can be discussed.
