Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Somerville officials are looking to address homeless encampments in the city.
Several people experiencing homelessness have been sleeping in Somerville’s Davis Square and Seven Hills Park. Several City Councilors are planning to ask the Mayor’s Office for an update on the efforts to open an overdose prevention center.
The Public Health and Public Safety Committee is holding a virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss services and programs for those experiencing homelessness. They also hope to address widespread and open drug use at the encampments, as well as the growing number of needles and syringes left behind.
Carole Anne started sleeping in Davis Square after she was evicted from her apartment. With colder temperatures on the horizon, she is wondering when she can get off the streets.
“The winter’s coming, so it’s going to be hard, you know,” said Carole Anne.
Many people at the encampments said housing costs are too high for people to afford.
“They could be doing a lot more for homeless people here. You can’t even rent an apartment here anymore,” said Carole Anne.
“I don’t see any low-income housing, [or] new low-income housing coming in,” said one man.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok