<div>NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Sept. 26, 2024) – Local homeless shelter officials are weighing in on the camping ban that’s now in effect in the city.Friends of the Homeless Board President Joe Svancara says they knew city council would be considering legislation to make camping out on city property a misdemeanor offense. They just never expected it would pass as an emergency with no further discussion.“Well, we generally feel like it would have been better if we were consulted about this, if we were given an opportunity to work and get some of our expertise on the situation in order to help and in order to develop an ordinance that may have been a little bit better.”The measure that council adopted Monday prohibits camping in the city’s parks and cemeteries; on streets, sidewalks, or alleys; and within adjacent entryways. Svancara says they’re disappointed and feel there’s a better solution but remain committed to partnering with the city to help those in need.“We by no means want to close our doors or burn any bridges or say to the city ‘you had your final chance to work with us.’ That’s not what we are saying at all. We are always willing to work together. We are always willing to find common solutions because we live together in this community. We feel we can do so peaceably.”City officials must post a notice 24 hours before removing any campsite and provide the location to a local agency delivering social services to homeless individuals. Friends of the Homeless is in the midst of a 4.5-million capital campaign to build a larger and more modern shelter behind the current one on East High Avenue. Written by </div>

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Friends of the Homeless reacts to New Phila camping ban

NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Sept. 26, 2024) – Local homeless shelter officials are weighing in on the camping ban that’s now in effect in the city. Friends of the Homeless Board President Joe Svancara says they knew city council would be considering legislation to make camping out on city property a misdemeanor offense. They just never expected it would pass as an emergency with no further discussion.