During a recent city council meeting, officials convened to address the pressing issue of homelessness in Beaumont, Texas. Led by Assistant City Manager Chris Boone, the discussion revisited strategies to comply with a state law prohibiting homeless camping on public property, which has led to increased encampments in neighborhoods and raised public health concerns.

The council explored several options, including maintaining the status quo, establishing city-funded primitive or shelter camps, and implementing a no camping ordinance. Boone highlighted the challenges of previous attempts to create sanctioned camps, noting that many cities faced management issues and low participation rates among the homeless population.

A significant point of discussion was the recent Supreme Court ruling in the case of Grants Pass, Oregon, which now allows cities to enforce no camping ordinances. This ruling has prompted Beaumont officials to consider a similar approach, which would place the responsibility of enforcement on property owners and require them to notify occupants of impending sweeps.

Council members expressed varying opinions on the proposed no camping ordinance, with some advocating for a compassionate approach that includes options for primitive camping on city-owned land. Boone confirmed that there are currently around 400 unsheltered individuals in Beaumont, with local shelters reporting available beds, although occupancy rates vary.

The council acknowledged the complexity of the homelessness issue, emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration with local nonprofits and the pursuit of additional funding to support homeless services. As the meeting concluded, council members were encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed strategies, with plans to revisit the discussion in future sessions.