Multiple residents and advocates used the public-comment period at the Carbondale City Council meeting to press for changes to how the city addresses people living outdoors and to urge stronger regional coordination of services.

"We were the trash that those bulldozers were meant to clear," said Eric Bueker, a Carbondale resident speaking on behalf of people experiencing homelessness, describing the demolition of a campsite he said had been his shelter since March. He said existing resources are insufficient and asked, "Where do we go?".

James Cooper Jr. delivered an extended comment alleging a long-standing legal grievance involving Jackson County courts and prosecutors; he characterized his remarks as protected by the First Amendment and referenced affidavits and court-document entries he submitted to multiple agencies. Those assertions were presented by Cooper as his account and were not debated by the council during the meeting.

Victor Ludwig, who identified himself as a nonresident neighbor, urged the council to stop encampment sweeps: "No more encampment sweeps. It solves nothing. It achieves nothing. It hurts."

Jennifer Lampkins, representing the nonprofit Carbondale United, announced a community "Free Day" for Nov. 15 at the Collaboration Center and said the organization is collecting clothing, blankets, hygiene items and other goods through Nov. 10 to support people in need.

Council members responded to the public comments. Council member Colombo said he has begun conversations with the city manager, the mayor and staff about what a comprehensive homelessness action plan might look like and invited public input. Council member Stanfield urged continued dialogue and regional cooperation, noting existing partnerships such as BootsSI, Take Action Today, the Southern Illinois Coalition For The Homeless and veterans-focused groups.

Council member Lowes asked staff for an update on a recent relocation/cleanup. City staff said the action referred to by speakers was initiated by private property owners who hired equipment to clear their land; the police department responded after being contacted to assist with access and to provide warnings about trespass. "The city did not initiate the removal of anyone," staff said, adding the city provided notice so people would have time to respond.

Council member Gilman reported she is pursuing options to mitigate an anticipated disruption to SNAP/Link benefits on Nov. 1, including outreach to local grocers that already donate near-expiration food items; she named Kroger, Schnucks and Walmart as donors to local pantries and said she will continue outreach to expand donations.

The speakers and council members repeatedly framed the issue as regional and multifaceted: commenters pressed for immediate protections and respect for people living outdoors while council members emphasized the need for coordinated shelter capacity, donations and partnerships with nonprofit providers.

No formal council action on changes to encampment policy or new funding was taken during the meeting; council members directed staff to continue engagement and information-gathering on possible options.