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The city of Wheeling has a few irons deep in the fire when it comes to tackling the homeless issue. Each of these matters is complex and deserving of more public discussion by city leaders along with clear direction from City Council as to how the city should move forward with its involvement.
First, there's the Life Hub project at the former First English Lutheran Church downtown. This concept currently is being championed and apparently operated by city homeless liaison Melissa Adams -- even though it's set up as a private venture. City Council members on Tuesday could decide to provide $100,000 in public funding for the Life Hub -- an ask made by Adams herself last month. Council has asked for clarification as to the city's role in the Life Hub, but to date has not received that information -- at least not publicly.
Second is the approval recently by City Council for a managed homeless camp in Wheeling. This came at the same time as council's decision to ban camping by the homeless on public property.
Both of these projects may be worthy of the city's attention and the public's tax dollars. However, as it stands now, there is no clear mission or direction from City Council on either front.
We've written extensively in this space about the Life Hub and the conflict that exists with city employees -- again, folks whose pay comes from your tax dollars -- setting up and running a public venture. But what about the managed camp option? There, council passed a measure that provided no guidance as to how City Manager Robert Herron could establish such a camp -- and if one is established, just which organization would be in charge of oversight. What if the city manager decided to locate a camp near a city neighborhood, or near a school? Could he do that? Yes. Is it likely he would? No, but given the lack of direction from City Council, that options remains a possibility.
This is not intended to cast aspersions on the work City Council has done to manage the homeless crisis we're now seeing. Millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent to help solve this problem, so it's not about the money. Perhaps what Wheeling is lacking is a clear and stated vision as to just how these projects will proceed.
Council should consider that when it meets Tuesday and as it continues discussing this matter.