Homeless advocates in Cleveland ramp up outreach; others fear long-term effects of tent encampments

Описание: 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."

Bri Buckley reports. --

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