Plans to construct a substantial housing complex for the homeless in Jackson, Mississippi, have ignited concerns and opposition among residents who fear potential consequences, including increased crime.
Stiff Resistance From Local Homeowners
While the proposal, which involves building 60 tiny homes for unhoused individuals at a cost of $600,000, awaits approval by the city council, it has encountered resistance from homeowners and some council members.
Residents Express Concerns
Residents have voiced their apprehensions about the proposed homeless housing complex, emphasizing worries that it might exacerbate crime in the area.
Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Harley shared the sentiment of constituents who have expressed opposition to the project, saying “We have folks saying, ‘Don’t let it go through. Don’t let it go through'”.
Balancing Homeless Solutions
Councilman Harley emphasized the importance of addressing the homeless issue in Jackson but cautioned against hastily approving additional facilities without a comprehensive strategy for managing homelessness in the city.
Focus on Supporting Existing Residents
He suggested focusing on supporting existing residents while advocating for community grants to restore homes and enhance street and property cleanliness.
Potential for Increased Homelessness
Critics of the plan argue that constructing the housing complex, which includes communal facilities like a kitchen and bathrooms, on an 18-acre site in West Jackson may attract more homeless individuals to the area.
Resident Perspectives
Some residents, like Sheka Epps, expressed support for housing solutions for the homeless to Fox News but believed that the current location is too close to existing homeowners and schools.
Increase in Homelessness
Epps expressed concerns that the project could “overwhelm the area with more homelessness, more blight, and more businesses leaving our area.”
She suggested that the homeless camp could be situated in more remote, rural areas.
Advocates for the Project
Supporters of the plan, including Jackson Resource Center CEO Putalamus White, argue that it would provide housing for nearly 3,000 homeless people in the city, thereby positively addressing a pressing issue.
In The Right Direction
“Building this would get us, as a city, going in the right direction,” White said during a recent city council meeting.
“It would definitely pull a lot of our homeless in West Jackson off the streets.”
Biden Administration’s Initiative
The Biden administration recently pledged $3.16 billion to fund over 6,000 similar housing projects for the homeless across the United States, demonstrating federal support for such initiatives.
Awaiting City Council Response
The Jackson City Council has not yet responded to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding the proposed homeless housing complex.
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