File Photo by Eric Ayres A sprawling former homeless encampment is shown under the W.Va. Route 2 overpass in East Wheeling in this 2021 file photo.

WHEELING – This year marked a turning point in the city of Wheeling’s ongoing dilemma surrounding the city’s homeless population, and after years of seeing little if any progress being made to reduce homelessness in the city, officials took bold action that promises to put an end to the “status quo.”

In the face of protests from a number of vocal homeless advocates, a majority of members on Wheeling City Council in November voted to pass a controversial ordinance to ban camping on public property in the city limits.

The legislation was introduced to council earlier in the fall after the city of Parkersburg took similar action to ban camping, which ultimately prohibits homeless individuals from sleeping on the streets or on public property.

An amended version of the original ordinance introduced in Wheeling was passed by a majority vote, with only Mayor Glenn Elliott and Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum – a candidate in next year’s mayoral race – voting against the measure. Elliott, however, has repeatedly stated his agreement that the “status quo” approach to the city’s homeless issues cannot continue and that the city has reached “a crossroads” in this difficult situation. Vice Mayor Chad Thalman, who is also a candidate in the race to be Wheeling’s next mayor, voted for the amended camping ban, as did Councilmen Ben Seidler, Jerry Sklavounakis, Ty Thorngate and Dave Palmer voting in favor of the ban, which is set to go into effect Jan. 1.

The amendment allows for an exemption to the camping ban with the designation of a managed homeless encampment to be approved by the office of the city manager. Officials have noted that there will be rules and order to any camp that is permitted. A number of city officials have indicated that although the designation of a managed camp will be at the discretion of the city administration, they had no intention to have the camp managed by the city.

Some officials said the city would consider helping with resources to establish and operate the camp, but indicated that representatives of the local nonprofit service agencies and faith-based organizations should be in charge of the camps.

There are a number of service organizations in the Wheeling area that provide food and other assistance for the homeless, but many of them do not provide shelter or housing for them. Many citizens of Wheeling have argued that the availability of these services attract homeless individuals from outside the city or even outside of the Ohio Valley to areas like East Wheeling where people take advantage of the services, and in many cases, simply choose to live on the streets or in the encampments.

“Our approach to homelessness now has not been effective, and it’s time for a new direction,” Councilman Ty Thorngate said during the meeting in which the camping ban ordinance was passed. “People no longer feel safe using our waterfront, our playgrounds, trails and creek systems. Countless times, we’ve all sat here and talked about how one of the most important things in Wheeling is our quality of life, and our residents feel that it’s been held hostage.”

In recent years, homeless encampments have popped up under bridges along Wheeling Creek, along the National Road Bikeway and in several other areas of the city. In the recent past, the Wheeling Police Department has initiated action that led to the disbandment of some encampments linked to recurring criminal complaints.

The Market Street Bridge has remained closed for 18 months after a fire at a homeless encampment under the bridge caused significant structural damage to the span. The West Virginia Division of Highways has determined that the deck of the bridge will need to be replaced before it can be reopened to traffic.

This fall, a city worker assigned to help clean up a dumpsite near a homeless encampment in East Wheeling was allegedly assaulted by a homeless man living in the camp. There have been incidents reported about encounters on the bike trail that have led tax paying citizens to avoid using the trail, going to the dog park or visiting areas that are frequented by members of the homeless population.

Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron said the city has been working with representatives of local service organizations to establish a managed camp at a designated location in the city that is yet to be announced.

A managed camp is expected to include served restroom and hygiene service, trash removal and other accommodations – but “no more free-for-all” approach to allowing individuals to simply camp and loiter anywhere in the city.

Herron has also noted that the city administration has been meeting with police officials in anticipation of the Jan. 1 date when the new ordinance becomes effective. The camping ban will be enforced, according to the city manager.

This month, The Life Hub opened its winter shelter for homeless individuals, which is expected to be offered during the evening hours from Dec. 15 through March 15 at the former First English Lutheran Church, 35-16th St., in downtown Wheeling.

Wheeling Homeless Liaison has been a driving force behind the establishment of The Life Hub, which has a long-term goal of providing a central location for needed services to assist homeless individuals, helping them overcome challenges and remove barriers to ultimately find permanent housing. The Life Hub also hopes to build and operate a year-round, low-barrier shelter to serve homeless people – particularly those who may not be eligible for other shelter services in the area.