CLEVELAND — As homeless encampments continue to pepper the streets of Cleveland, some in the city are sharing growing concerns.
"Well, when somebody is putting themselves in harm or harm of others, if someone is threatening suicide, freezing to death is also not an option, and I think we need to recognize that," Mark Lammon says.
Lammon is the executive director of Campus District, a community development organization on the east side of downtown. He calls the encampments a humanitarian issue, but adds businesses, residents, and students are worried about safety, reporting theft, fights, and fires.
He's calling on local leaders to create a rapid rehousing plan.
"They're concerned," he explained. "They're concerned for the people who are out here, but they're also concerned about safety. They're also concerned about the long-term viability of the neighborhood, if we don't want to become San Francisco."
Cuyahoga County leaders cite programs through the continuum of care network of agencies working to prevent homelessness, assist, and help transition those in need. Cleveland City Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones also says more funding and additional policies are in the works, but it takes time.
"When you look at homelessness prevention strategies, [we need to look at] everything from actual eviction prevention, having right to counsel," Howse-Jones, of Ward 7, told 3News. "I just spoke to one of the ladies — that's literally why she's outside, because she got evicted."
As we brace for the bitter cold, Chris Knestrick and the team at the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless continue with outreach efforts, visiting the encampments daily while working to connect individuals to appropriate resources and housing. Knestrick asserts there is room in shelters — both permanent and seasonal — but explained how that may not be the right option for everyone.
"Individuals who have had a particular experience there, I think [are] people that struggle with mental health stuff," Knestrick said. "Particularly, we see it a lot with veterans that don't want to be around large groups of individuals or would rather remain kind of on their own choose to sleep outside."
Knestrick also told us addressing the root of the problem is a part of the push for a greater change.
"It just reinforces the fact that no one should have to sleep on a tent in our streets and that we should be providing access to permanent housing to individuals as quickly as possible," he noted. "And the reality is those options aren't available for folks."
A city of Cleveland spokesperson shared the following statement with WKYC:
"The City, between federal awards received and its own allocations, has dedicated nearly $40 million toward community solutions to homelessness, including investments in emergency shelter, medical respite care, rapid rehousing, street outreach, and the development of affordable housing units. We are actively working with the County and our partners in the Continuum of Care to take the next steps toward implementation of the County’s Unsheltered Strategic Action Plan, including housing-focused coordinated outreach to encampments, planning for permanent supportive housing that includes safe havens, developing a 'Navigation Center' that will eventually replace the need for temporary shelter arrangements, and the development of low-barrier affordable housing.
"In the bitter cold months, we open our recreation centers for extended hours as warming centers and anticipate filling the funding gap for 'seasonal emergency shelters' that provide warm and safe places to stay overnight that also have access to services and care that can help our unsheltered residents on their path to housing. We urge those who need shelter – as well as those connected to them – to contact 211, which provides emergency shelter referrals and alternative services. We anticipate opening up warming centers on Monday, January 15 through Wednesday, January 17 due to the expected weather."
A Cuyahoga County spokesperson also shared the following resources:
"In anticipation of the extremely cold temperatures, Cuyahoga County recognizes the critical need for safe havens for our vulnerable population. Our Office of Homeless Services works closely with providers through the Continuum of Care to ensure area shelters are open and have available space. The Continuum of Care is an extensive network of agencies that plans, organizes, and delivers housing and services to prevent homelessness, assist people while they are homeless, and help transition people into stable housing. Anyone seeking shelter should contact Coordinated Entry at 216-674-7400. Residents are also encouraged to check in on seniors and those living at risk or needing assistance.
"Cuyahoga County would like to remind residents of some resources that are available:
- 2-1-1: Community referral line to get information about social, health, housing resources
- Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services: Residents may call the Division of Senior and Adult Services for assistance with senior services 216-420-6700
- Office of Homeless Services
- HEAP Winter Crisis Program"
Additionally, available shelters and warming centers include:
- Lutheran Men's Shelter on Lakeside Avenue
- The City Mission on Carnegie Avenue
- Zelma George Family Shelter on East 18th Street
- North Point Transitional Housing on Superior Avenue
More warming centers in Cleveland and elsewhere are expected to be open this weekend.