Addressing homelessness in Queen City: Victoria's new plan to enhance safety

VICTORIA, Texas — The City of Victoria has announced a plan to address long-standing complaints of trespassing and theft near Queen City Park, an area frequented by the homeless population.

The initiative comes after multiple reports of dangerous or violent behavior in the area. City staff from the Victoria Police Department, Code Enforcement, Parks & Recreation, and the City Manager’s Office recently convened to discuss the issue.

The City’s plan includes increased police monitoring, enforcement of state laws related to public camping, and stricter enforcement of City codes to address health and safety hazards. Additionally, officials are discussing no-trespassing enforcement options with private property owners, communicating with Christ’s Kitchen and Queen City residents to understand their needs, and continuing to host community events in Queen City Park.

Officials are also exploring the possibility of establishing a neighborhood watch program and instituting a curfew for Queen City Park.

Kim Pickens, Director of Community Outreach at The Humility Project, has been relentlessly working to ease the homelessness population in Victoria. She acknowledges the concerns in Queen City but asserts that most of the crime in the area is committed by passersby, not residents.

Pickens argues that the proposed measures would criminalize the homeless rather than provide a solution. She emphasizes that the lack of affordable housing and shelters in Victoria significantly contributes to the homelessness issue.

The City urges residents to report any dangerous activity by calling the Victoria Police Department or 911 in an emergency, reminding them that reports can be made anonymously.

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