Homelessness in the city is reaching a critical stage according to some city officials and residents. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Yoko Zhu

Somerville City Council members requested that the mayor declare homelessness a public state of emergency at the latest Somerville City Council meeting on Thursday, August 24.

Several resolutions by Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin were approved by the Council, including that the administration update the Council on progress towards providing homeless services. McLaughlin also said that efforts should be made to find suitable temporary and long-term shelter locations.

Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis stated that there should not only be one facility in Davis Square but multiple establishments throughout the city to offer aid. 

City officials say that around 21 unhoused individuals were sleeping in Chuckie Harris Park, and McLaughlin estimates that hundreds of residents live on the streets.

“This is an emergency that has been ignored and downplayed for far too long,” said Somerville resident Kate Bryne, on behalf of Pastor Jordan Harris, adding that the homeless crisis “is a moral failure on the city’s part to live in their purported values.”

The administration said they were exploring all the options that are available, including the $300,000 emergency response fund, set aside to address common necessities of life for residents.

Somerville residents interested in virtually attending the next city council meeting on September 14 can find the link at: https://somervillema.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
Watch the full meeting below:

Start at
21:01