The removal of a homeless shelter in Hillsdale has sparked a debate about the causes and potential solutions for homelessness.
On Thursday, workers with the Hillsdale Department of Public Services tore down and removed a tent from Camp Hope, which has operated behind Hillsdale Thrift on Carleton Road for the past couple of years.
Operators of Camp Hope say it has provided much-needed shelter to numerous unhoused residents. Many of those residents have been assisted in finding more permanent housing.
The Hillsdale City Council voted last week to condemn and tear down the camp.
The move followed complaints by residents of Apple Run Apartments, which is next door to the camp.
Council did not directly address where the affected residents may end up.
Meanwhile, it’s just over two weeks until Hillsdale’s only official homeless shelter will open for the season.
Share The Warmth is an overnight shelter that operates out of SOZO Church on Manning Street. It’ll open for the season on November 1st.
Operators of Share The Warmth are seeking volunteers for the upcoming season. They’ll host a volunteer orientation on Saturday at 1:00 pm at the church at 7 South Manning Street.
Officials with Share The Warmth are also fundraising for a permanent shelter.
The removal of Camp Hope has sparked heated debate on social media, with some commenters arguing it was time to tear it down. Others called it a “heartless move” by city officials who are out of touch with the realities of homelessness.”
Rural homelessness is often caused by a combination of factors, including limited access to affordable housing and a lack of social service resources. Additionally, factors like unemployment, mental health issues, and substance abuse further increase the risk for vulnerable populations.