NEWARK, Ohio — Newark City Council will vote Monday night on an ordinance that, if passed, would ban public camping and determine the future of homelessness in the city.
The ban on camping would make it illegal to sleep on public sidewalks, streets, alleyways, parks, benches or any other publicly owned property, including under bridges.
Homeless advocates have been outspoken about not wanting the ordinance to pass.
Instead, some homeless advocates want to talk about solutions for the growing homeless population in Newark.
Cary Loughman is the executive director of The Main Place, a nonprofit that provides housing and mental health support services for those who are in need.
“Many of the people are mentally ill, struggling with addiction, things like that. But the real problem is there is a lack of affordable housing in Newark and Licking County,” said Loughman.
The nonprofit has 10 units of permanent supportive housing. That provides housing as well as supportive services.
“It’s been very successful. People have been able to maintain their housing that really have never been able to be successful in maintaining their housing,” said Loughman.
The Main Place has plans to build 44 new units of permanent supportive housing in the next few years.
Loughman said there is a continuous need for more affordable housing.
“It has continued to grow since COVID. We see more and more people in our community who are clearly on the street without a place to go. Our numbers increase over the last four years by 25% a year,” said Loughman.
Loughman said they plan to fund the new housing through several different public funding sources including grants and housing vouchers.
“The main thing we need to remember is it’s not those people, but they are people and community members. They want to live here, they want to have a place to live in Newark,” he said.
The ordinance that is up for a vote on Monday cites individual and public safety.
Anyone who violates the law could face a minor misdemeanor for the first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for any following violations.
On Sept. 16, members of city council said it would be important to continue looking at supplemental ways to support people who are homeless and encourage them to seek help.
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