The Exponent Telegram
Morgantown is the most recent West Virginia city confronted with trying to address the growing homelessness problem while also protecting public safety and the sanctity of public property.
The city’s council, on a narrow 4-3 vote, put in place a public camping ban set to take effect Oct. 3. It strengthens the city’s ability to remove public encampments, like the ones that have popped up in a number of West Virginia cities.
To the city’s credit, it isn’t just trying to outlaw or hide homelessness as leaders are working to address it by providing help to those in need.
Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin recently told WV MetroNews that the city is working with charities to provide a triage shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope, as well as working on trying to find a private partner to help build a community of tiny homes.
“If we have a housing first model in Morgantown, which we aspire to, we need to get people into housing, and we need to make sure this does not take effect until Catholic Charities is reopening our homeless shelter,” Selin said.
We’ve heard the idea of tiny homes floated in Harrison County before. And we know they are using a similar model in Barbour County to provide a place for those aging out of the foster care system to begin adulthood.
