The citizen input segment revealed strong opposition to the proposed ordinance. Christopher Conlin, who identified as having experienced homelessness for over two years, argued against penalizing individuals for using camping equipment outdoors. Conlin emphasized the need for compassion and understanding, stating, “We need to make them feel more safe and more open to a new experience to get them back involved in the community.”

Reverend James Hornsby echoed this sentiment, labeling the ordinance regressive and advocating for support rather than punishment. Hornsby said, “What we need to reach out with healing, not with punishment,” urging the council to focus on treatment and support services over fines or criminal records.

Sarah Mayor from Somerville, Massachusetts, also opposed the ordinance, highlighting the ineffectiveness of similar measures elsewhere. She stated, “There is no evidence that it’s effective; there’s evidence that it is cruel when there are no shelter beds for people to go to,” urging the council to continue compassionate initiatives.

Further opposition came from Sheriff Paul Haru, who warned of increased incarceration as a consequence of the ordinance. Haru noted, “What we’re doing is we’re taking people who were previously homeless… and now you’ve added a criminal record to them,” emphasizing the need for alternative solutions and proposing a collaborative approach to tackle homelessness.

A council member raised concerns about the lack of overflow shelters, stating, “we have nowhere to put these people,” and advocated for a comprehensive solution that addresses the underlying issues of homelessness. Another council member suggested the potential for tiny house communities as a transitional solution, emphasizing the importance of centralizing services for the homeless.

The council also heard from Dawn Cini, who linked homelessness and inadequate housing to broader societal inequalities. She advocated for smaller homes for single individuals and larger homes for families, pointing out the presence of vacant apartments in the city and stressing the need for actionable assistance.

John Sylvia voiced concerns regarding the national situation’s impact on the local housing crisis, urging local leaders to confront state officials. Sylvia remarked on the inhumanity of allowing people to live on the streets, emphasizing that although it is commendable for the mayor to engage with the homeless, “the homeless… would rather have a home than seeing the mayor.”

Despite the opposition, some council members expressed urgency in enacting the ordinance. One council member noted the importance of not remaining idle, stating, “the longer we have sat idle… people are now finally starting to think,” indicating that the introduction of the ordinance had already sparked increased dialogue about potential housing solutions. Another council member emphasized the need for a regional approach, mentioning nearby cities such as New Bedford and Taunton and calling for a task force to be put together.

Debate continued over the effectiveness of the proposed ordinance. One council member acknowledged the need for housing solutions but cautioned against expecting perfection, stating, “the perfect is the enemy of good.” They suggested that while the ordinance would not resolve all homelessness issues, it was a start.

The role of the Fall River Housing Authority in addressing local housing needs was also discussed. One council member expressed frustration over the lack of communication with the housing authority regarding potential resolutions and called for collaboration on housing development initiatives.

The sentiment for a dedicated housing fund was raised, with a council member urging colleagues to revisit the discussion on creating such a fund. They criticized the city’s reactive decision-making and advocated for proactive measures.

Concerns about the consequences of the ordinance were voiced, particularly regarding its impact on individuals currently living in encampments. One council member stressed the importance of understanding the expertise of those working directly with the homeless population, warning that simply moving people from their camps without providing alternatives could exacerbate the problem.