Wilkes-Barre Council considers moratorium on homeless encampments until shelters are operational

Concerns over homelessness and infrastructure took center stage at the Wilkes-Barre City Council meeting on February 27, 2025, as council members and community advocates pushed for urgent action to address pressing local issues.

A passionate plea from a community member highlighted the dire situation faced by the homeless population in Wilkes-Barre. The speaker called for a moratorium on homeless encampment sweeps until year-round Code Blue facilities are established, emphasizing the need for humane treatment of vulnerable individuals. "These issues need to be resolved because it's not helping anyone and it's killing people," they stated, urging the council to take immediate action.

In response, council members acknowledged the ongoing efforts to support the homeless, noting the recent openings of several shelters, including a new facility by Catholic Services with 20 beds and another by Keystone Mission with 15 beds. However, concerns were raised about the lack of running water at the Keystone Mission, prompting discussions about the adequacy of resources available to those in need.

Infrastructure updates also featured prominently in the meeting, particularly regarding the Washington Street Bridge project. Council members sought clarity on the status of the $44 million project, which has been mired in regulatory processes. While progress has been made to reach the final design phase, officials indicated that the timeline for construction remains uncertain, with further approvals still required.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of addressing homelessness and infrastructure challenges in Wilkes-Barre was clear. Council members expressed their commitment to working collaboratively with local organizations and the administration to find effective solutions for the community's most pressing needs.