There are now over two dozen tents in Charlottesville’s Market Street Park as several people without houses have been allowed to stay there after closing times were lifted on September 20.
The city has announced that operating hours will be restored on October 21, the same day that PACEM is set to begin operating seasonal overnight shelters.
“I have asked our staff to engage with various service providers to strategize ways we can support this process so that anyone in the park will receive the assistance that they need to ensure a smooth transition,” Sanders said in a press release sent out just before noon today.
“This work has already begun and will continue through whatever period necessary,” Sanders continued.
Sanders outlined a homelessness intervention strategy at Council’s meeting on October 2 that included asking PACEM to begin their season early. He also suggested Council provide some funding for the early operations.
In an undated press release, PACEM announced they will be able to open their 20th season early because of several donations.
“This collaborative effort helps relieve encampment congestion in Market Street Park and address these neighbors’ need for a safe place to sleep at night,” reads that press release.
Support for the early opening comes from Charlottesville First United Methodist Church and support from our community of faith partners, the PATH Team, the Salvation Army, and the City of Charlottesville.
In advance of the resumption of a closing time at the park, PACEM will begin reaching out to those who are staying there at the moment.
“We meet folks where they are,” the release quotes Board Chair Cliff Haury. “We adapt to what they need. Right now, they’re in the park and need shelter – that’s something we already know how to address.”
PACEM’s winter season will run through April 12, 2024. Between now and then, Council will begin a budget process that will likely include discussions of funding to purchase property for an overnight shelter. That’s in Sander’s mid-term strategy as is the pursuit of regional collaboration to operate that future shelter.
Items for long-term action include building new permanent supportive housing like the units at the Crossings at Fourth and Preston. Another item is the provision of deeply affordable housing means below 30 percent area median income. That is an area that Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority has indicated they want to provide service as they prepare for their future.
Sanders will discuss this item in more detail at Council’s meeting on October 16.
Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment comes from the October 14, 2023 edition. Or will be in there, at least. This is the first article to be posted here first. It’s a new era!
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