The City Council unanimously decided to file the petition to allow tents in public spaces but discussed other interim solutions to help the growing homelessness population in Worcester.
The Worcester City Council unanimously decided against a petition last week to allow tents in public spaces at temporary shelter for the city’s growing homeless population, while councilors called for other interim solutions during a tense discussion.
The City Council discussed Samantha Olney’s petition at their regular meeting Feb. 6, which would have allowed tents in public spaces as a temporary solution to homelessness, especially in the winter months. Olney is the director of Homeless Addicts Leadership Organization in Worcester, according to her petition, and is unhoused herself.
The petition also recommended guidelines for the people living in the tents, including capacity limits, trash disposal, and tent size. Olney wrote that allowing the tents would allow for a more inclusive atmosphere in Worcester and would protect people experiencing homelessness from being arrested.