CAMDEN, S.C. — Camden City Council has passed an ordinance prohibiting people from sleeping or seeking shelter on public property, sparking concern from advocates for people experiencing homelessness.
Donny Supplee, president of the United Way of Kershaw County, says the ordinance seems to target the homeless population. “This ordinance caught us a little off guard."
“In some ways it does draw attention to the issue of homelessness, and so in a lot of ways that's not a bad thing,” Supplee said.
City Manager Matt DeWitt said the ordinance was introduced in response to concerns raised by law enforcement when he began his tenure in July.
“One of the first requests I was approached with is that we needed to provide city law enforcement with the ability to engage individuals who are camping, relieving themselves or otherwise living on our public streets and sidewalks within the city.” DeWitt said.
Under the new ordinance, people found in violation will initially receive a written warning. DeWitt emphasized the city’s intention to address the issue with compassion.
"Again, we stress compassion and enforcement, so we're asking our officers to use their discretion," Dewitt said. "And, and really be compassionate when dealing with these folks. So no, the second interaction does not constitute the need to write a ticket or to, uh, put somebody in jail."
Supplee said the United Way is working to provide solutions for those impacted by the ordinance.
“Part of what we're looking at is having a safe zone, for instance, at our United Way, where folks can come," Supplee said. "And so our desire is to provide alternatives to people who have homeless situations. We're excited to work with them. We're not excited about the fact that there's the ordinance, but we're working through it.”
The city says enforcement of the ordinance has not yet begun as law enforcement officers are undergoing internal training to determine the next steps.