The issue of homelessness has been steadily gaining attention in Salem, Massachusetts, as tents begin to appear more frequently along public walkways. In response to this growing concern, city officials are now deliberating the possibility of implementing a ban on camping to address the presence of homeless individuals and their shelters in these areas.
Among those directly affected is Shannon Donovan, who finds herself spending each night on a small section of sidewalk. “Failure is part of my story,” Donovan expressed, emphasizing the complexities of the situation. “To have people come down and misjudge us — a lot of us are good people.”
Over the past year, Donovan and numerous others have resorted to residing within tents along Peabody Street in Salem, prompting city leaders to take action. “We’re a smaller city, but we’re struggling with a lot of the same challenges with homelessness and housing,” stated Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, shedding light on the city’s shared struggle.
Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for compassionate consideration. “We try to look at it with as much compassion as we can,” Chief Miller remarked, underscoring the complexities involved in addressing homelessness.
Both Mayor Pangallo and Chief Miller are advocating for an ordinance that would prohibit camping in public spaces. Their argument centers around the notion that if the city provides shelter options within a 15-mile radius, it should be deemed illegal to erect tents in public areas.
“We’re going to take care of your belongings, we’re going to want to make sure that you can succeed and thrive,” Mayor Pangallo assured, emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting its homeless population.