TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun has released a number of steps that the city of Terre Haute has taken and will be taking to address homelessness.
Recent actions made by the city include increased funding to shelters, expanding city-led cleanup crews, and financially supporting mental health and addiction services.
“We recognize that this is a problem that for decades has plagued communities like ours, and we aren’t going to back down from it; we’re going to find a way to solve it”, Sakbun said. “At least attempt to solve it locally.”
Danna Andreas is the owner of Ciao Bella Salon in downtown Terre Haute. She said action is needed immediately.
“The first couple of years, it didn’t seem too bad, but recently it seems like every single street corner is full”, Andreas said. “Where you used to be able to pass by and nothing happen, I feel like it’s a little more aggressive now and a little more intrusive to the neighborhood.”
Terre Haute has recently withdrawn an ordinance that would have banned sleeping on sidewalks, streets, and other public areas. Owner of Black Ford’s Angus, Jeff Ford, said he understands the compassionate approach, but the city’s image is taking a hit.
“We want to see some results”, Ford said. “We need the city to be clean, we’re trying to bring people downtown and provide great services, great entertainment, great food. We need our customers to feel comfortable with the environment that’s downtown.”
Andreas said local businesses need to continue to speak out to help these plans get completed as soon as possible.
“I want to encourage downtown businesses to get involved”, Andreas said. “I don’t think we should complain about the problem unless we’re willing to be a part of the solution, so I think the more people that come forward and show that this is something that needs to be addressed, maybe they will take it more seriously to get funding to help them.”
Mayor Sakbun said that funding will be the biggest factor in what steps the city can take in the future.
“A lot is going to be going on with this issue, not just in the coming weeks or months, but frankly, years”, Sakbun said. “We will explore what limited funding is left at the federal and state level to help with shelters, to help with operations, to help with transitional housing, and permanent support of housing.”
For more on Terre Haute’s homeless initiative:
Terre Haute gives new push to address homelessness | MyWabashValley.com
