ROANOKE, Va. – Homeless people may soon be banned from sleeping on sidewalks in downtown Roanoke because of a newly proposed ordinance presented at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell and City Attorney, Tim Spencer presented the proposed ordinance, which would make camping on public sidewalks in Downtown Roanoke a class 4 misdemeanor.
“We’re trying to balance in the city compassion for those who find themselves homeless with the needs and the quality of life for the folks not just living downtown but trying to conduct business downtown,” said Cowell.
Roanoke resident, NJ Kilby says homelessness is a problem he sees every day when walking out the front door of his home downtown.
“We are the ones who have had to call RPD dozens of times because of suspicious, illegal activities or outright brawls,” he said. “We are the ones who have had to install security cameras. We are the ones who have had to clean up garbage and discarded food,” said Kilby. “I’m here to advocate for that ordinance.
City leaders say as of July 2021, there are 44 people who “camp” outside because of lack of shelter. With organizations like the city’s Homeless Assistance Team and the Rescue Mission- officials claim there are enough resources in the area.
“We have also verified and confirmed there is sufficient shelter space to accommodate the housing needs for the city’s homeless,” said Spencer.
But there are countless other barriers that may be preventing a person from getting into a shelter.
“In many cases we are dealing less with homelessness as much as we are dealing with mental illness or addiction. And those have been the reasons that they find themselves experiencing homelessness,” said Cowell.
City Council is set to vote on this ordinance at their next meeting, Monday, December 6.