CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Human remains found at a local homeless camp on Thursday is bringing awareness to how serious Chillicothe’s homeless issue really is.
On Thursday, police were called to a wooded area behind Hobby Lobby on Bridge Street after someone called 9-1-1 to report that they had found human remains; the area is a known homeless encampment.
Police would not release if the deceased was a man or woman, but said “the deceased was known to police as being homeless,” reports said. The identity of the deceased has not been released because law enforcement are still trying to create a positive identification.
Police would not confirm the believed-manner of death or if anything looked suspicious, but three detectives were called to the scene and evidence was tagged and bagged. The remains were picked up by the county coroner’s office, who is investigating.
Chillicothe has a growing homeless population, according to local activists.
The news of the death on Thursday had many from a local outreach coalition at the scene. The members said they were worried about their “regulars” who they assist weekly with food and clothes.
Members of the coalition said that despite local leaders seeing the homeless everyday — just like the rest of us — the issue goes ignored.
“There’s no funding. They promise everything during elections, they will take your emails and calls and agree with you, but where is the action? There’s no action!” one volunteer told the Guardian. “You drive to Walmart and you see a man in a tent under the bridge. Why? These leaders aren’t blind; they can see their name on a ballot, but refuse to open their eyes and see the issues before them.”
If you or someone you know is facing homelessness, please call your local community action center and ask for a list of available resources.
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