CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The Chillicothe City Council convened a review session on March 3, 2025, to deliberate on the contentious proposed Ordinance 24-117, aimed at prohibiting camping in public areas—a measure perceived by many as criminalizing homelessness. The meeting, held at the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library Annex, drew significant community participation, reflecting widespread concern over the ordinance’s implications.
Community Advocacy Against the Ordinance
Linda Hoover, representing the Southern Ohio Homeless Advocacy Response Team (HART), expressed gratitude towards Council President Kevin Shoemaker for organizing the session. She highlighted the collective apprehension regarding the ordinance, emphasizing the community’s resilience and capacity for compassionate solutions. Hoover underscored the proximity many individuals have to potential homelessness, stating, “I and nearly everyone in that room last night is one paycheck, one illness, one death of a financial provider, or other devastating loss away from being in the same situation.” Drawing from her experience in housing services, Hoover conveyed the emotional toll of witnessing homelessness, noting, “I hear the panic, the frustration, the loss of faith in a better life. It is heartbreaking.”
Council’s Position and Clarifications
City officials, including Law Director’s Office Assistant Hannah Bivens, clarified aspects of the proposed ordinance. Bivens emphasized that the ordinance is not intended to increase penalties for homelessness but to adjust them.
Ongoing Debate and Future Actions
The debate over Ordinance 24-117 has intensified following previous actions by the city, including the removal of homeless encampments after a Supreme Court ruling permitted such measures. Advocates argue that criminalizing survival does not address the root causes of homelessness and call for solutions like expanding shelter capacity and creating low-barrier shelters. The council’s forthcoming decisions will significantly impact the city’s approach to addressing homelessness, balancing legal measures with humanitarian considerations.