WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County officials acknowledged a growing homeless encampment in Three Rivers.
During Tuesday’s executive committee meeting, commissioner Rick Shaffer said he has noticed a number of tents and improvised shelters in an area behind Auto Zone, near Walmart. The Auto Zone Shaffer referenced is on the west side of U.S. 131, just north of the Michigan Avenue intersection.
Shaffer expressed concern about whether any children are a part of the encampment.
Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said he is familiar with the situation and said it is not the only homeless encampment in St. Joseph County. He said such locations that fall under the jurisdiction of the county are monitored by deputies.
Furthermore, Bingaman said, agency officials from CPS and DHHS also are aware of homeless-populated, makeshift communities, including the one noted by Shaffer.
Bingaman said he has yet to hear of any children present at the site.
Veterans Affairs Director Stoney Summey said he’s been aware of the encampment for more than five years. He said he has visited the site to offer any help to residents who are veterans.
Mr. Shaffer could have easily seen for himself whether there were children. Sadly that’s not how the right works. At least the Veterans Affairs director had the guts to visit. Maybe rather than bringing it up to the sheriff, he might work on ways to make their situation better. Just a thought.