During a recent government meeting, representatives from the Rosette Neighborhood Village Collective presented urgent concerns regarding homelessness in Newville, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the crisis. Joel Meehanitz and Suki Godin, both residents of the collective, highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding homelessness in the city, where 32% of calls to the 211 helpline in 2023 were requests for emergency shelter.

Meehanitz criticized the current shelter system, describing it as an \"abject failure\" and asserting that homelessness has become a permanent condition rather than a temporary issue. He called for a shift in city policy to recognize the rights of unhoused individuals, advocating for the establishment of designated parcels of land for emergency shelters, including tiny homes, which the collective has been developing in their backyard.

The Rosette Neighborhood Village, formed in response to the growing crisis, aims to provide a supportive community for those experiencing homelessness. Meehanitz explained that their project, funded privately, has successfully created a model for emergency hospitality, allowing individuals to regain their status as neighbors rather than being treated as outcasts. He emphasized the importance of community over mere housing, arguing that the key to solving homelessness lies in fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Godin, a former resident of a tent city, shared her personal journey, illustrating how the tiny home community has transformed lives by providing stability and access to resources. She noted that residents actively contribute to the community by preparing meals and supporting one another, showcasing the collective's commitment to addressing the needs of its members.

The collective's representatives urged city officials to reconsider zoning and building codes that hinder the establishment of such emergency shelters, advocating for a more humane approach to homelessness that prioritizes community and dignity. They called for immediate action, including a moratorium on evictions from public spaces, to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left to fend for themselves as winter approaches.