Florence City Council on the second reading approved a change to the municipal code aimed at restricting overnight camping and the improper use of public places, while residents and local advocates urged the council to pair enforcement with services and shelter capacity.

The motion to adopt Article 4 of Chapter 17 — described in council as a measure to prohibit urban camping and similar uses of public spaces — carried by voice vote after the second reading was moved and seconded. Councilors said the ordinance is intended to preserve public areas while connecting people to shelter and services.

Tommy Campbell, chairman of the mayor’s Coalition for NOU, told the council the measure is “a start” but stressed the need for additional training and resources for officers who encounter people experiencing homelessness. “Maybe in retired law enforcement, I know what it’s like…so I just ask for some training and some resources made available to all the officers,” Campbell said.

Suzanne La Rochelle opposed criminalizing homelessness and urged a different approach, including a day hub with charging stations, lockers and running water, documented outreach before enforcement, and protections so people do not lose identification or medication when detained. “The homeless are not criminals,” she said, pressing the council to ensure citations are not issued if no shelter bed is available.

City staff and council members said they had met with local service providers during executive-session follow-up and that the implementation approach emphasizes warnings and referrals rather than immediate arrest. Assistant city staff stated organizations asked only for additional resources, not to block the ordinance. Council members also referenced ongoing use of a local homeless court program that can link people to services and potentially clear related charges after program completion.

Service providers present described strains on existing shelters: House of Hope and Salvation Army operate at or near capacity, and the potential need for motel placements was noted when shelter beds are full. Council members and staff flagged limited, year-to-year funding and discussed plans for a community resource center and longer-term funding structures to reduce reliance on emergency motel placements.

What’s next: The ordinance advanced on second reading and council directed staff to continue coordinating with homeless service organizations, emphasizing first-contact outreach, warnings, and referrals to existing shelter and program options. Council also signaled interest in budgeting discussions and potential further investments in a community resource center.