The state of Missouri and city of Columbia are both under an active stay-at-home order as of Monday. Adherence to this order can prove difficult for those who don’t have homes to stay in.
The Columbia City Council discussed the best ways to help homeless populations during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic at its regular Monday night meeting.
Fourth Ward Councilman Ian Thomas proposed a motion for the council to “support the use of one or more public parks as organized campgrounds for unsheltered homeless individuals” during this period of emergency.
The motion failed 2-4, with two members abstaining.
Mayor Brian Treece lent his conditional support of the idea before ultimately voting against the measure. He said he wanted the solution to be clinically appropriate, with a well-thought-out plan that would include public safety measures.
First Ward Councilman Clyde Ruffin added that the encampment should be staffed with trained individuals.
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