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Are roundtables a runaround? Or will Montrose address the issue of homelessness?
Well, they did if folks — the city of Montrose has passed its camping ban, which officials have assured does not target homeless people, but rather the mess they leave at their illicit camping spots. The new ordinance paves the way for the city to begin fining and jailing people for illegally camping on public or private land.
And though the city has gone to lengths to disassociate the impacts of this new ordinance on any group of people — stressing that the ordinance addresses a public safety and health issue, rather than targeting a particular population — the ordinance will undoubtedly impact homeless people: imposing fines they cannot pay, and spending public dollars to lock them up on repeat offenses.
In my humble opinion, this was a bonehead idea. (If you want to read my expanded version of this sentiment, check here: If the only tool you have is a hammer …
But, now Montrose is launching another effort, this one a much better idea. In the wake of passing its camping ban ordinance, the city has also initiated a roundtable series aimed at diving into the issues of homelessness and what might be done to address this issue locally. The roundtables — which reporter Kyle Henseler details in tomorrow's print edition with: Coming together: In wake of camping ban, city convenes forum to discuss homelessness.
In addition to members of Montrose City Council, as well as city staffers, the initial roundtable meeting included the participation of groups that routinely work with the area's homeless population, including members of the city's police department and library staff, as well as representatives from Shepherds Hand, Veterans Affairs and other local organizations.
It'll be interesting to see what these roundtables lead to. Are they just dog-and-pony show, post-camping ban PR-cleanup events? Or will the issue of homelessness — the surface-level issue of being unhoused, as well as the myriad issues contributing to that condition — be explored in earnest? Will officials and advocates look around the country to identify best practices? (Hint: you won't find them in Grants Pass, Oregon — and besides y'all have already checked there.)
Homelessness, and its many ripple effects felt across a community, is a difficult bear to wrap your arms around. It's a problem that communities across the country, across the world, are grappling with. Let's see what potential salves Montrose can contribute to the conversation.
Have a Good One,
Jeremy Morrison, managing editor
jeremy.morrison@montrosepress.com
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