The Macomb Equal Opportunity and Fair Housing Commission last week heard a report on homelessness by Macomb Police Social Services Officer Sally Vigezzi. She said one large problem is that people with criminal histories are not allowed in most shelters. Another problem is that others will not accept help.
Vigezzi said she recently received 15 calls from people trying to get into the Samaritan Well homeless shelter. She said that the shelter is often full but it is planning on doubling the number of people in each room.
The police social services officer said Genesis Garden and Macomb City Township can often help people with one month's rent. Vigezzi said she often brings people who've turned a corner on homelessness to talk with some of the homeless people who hang out in Chandler Park. She cautioned that some former Quincy residents are headed to Macomb because a shelter has closed in Quincy.
Commission Chairwoman Belinda Carr noted that the Macomb School District has listed some students as homeless. In response to commissioner questions, Vigezzi said that, in cases of extreme heat or cold, Genesis Garden often pays to provide people with shelter.
In other business, City Attorney Lisa Scalf said that City Administrator Scott Coker has been discussing possible discrimination issues with one complainant. Carr said that she and Coker had planned to meet with another person, but that the complainant did not respond to the invitation.
