Christopher Conlan, who was in and out of homelessness for over two years, said that the ordinance will only "perpetrate people into fear." Conlan emphasized that many experiencing homelessness are sick or suffering, suggesting that pushing them out will only exacerbate their feelings of insecurity and unsafe conditions. He advocates for compassion, calling on the city to focus on solutions that provide safe environments for individuals rather than criminalizing their existence in public spaces.
The Fall River City Council passed an ordinance making it illegal to camp or leave materials in public areas, ordered to enforce maintenance of public welfare. The ordinance allows police to dispose of camping gear and prevents individuals from lying or sleeping in public spaces. While the law is positioned as a health and safety measure, advocates argue it unfairly impacts homeless individuals rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness.
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