COG and their Homeless Conundrum

We recently became aware of the problem facing city authorities as they grapple with the issue of handling the complaints regarding the homeless individuals who congregate in downtown Garland. Since our police force is experiencing a shortage of manpower, patrolling in the area has been minimal. Thanks to the efforts of City Councilwoman Anita Goebel, who was the recipient of recent complaints, patrols have been stepped up and the problem seems to be under control for the moment.

The patrolman who recently arrested three vagrants who were cited for criminal trespass, had quite a shock when he investigated a complaint regarding activities inside a historic house. He encountered and arrested 3 naked individuals inside the venerable Tinsley/Lyles House, ca 1885, which was recently moved to Heritage Crossing and is now awaiting restoration. Heritage Crossing is located just behind the library, along the DART tracks. The library had become a gathering spot for the vagrants and extremely troublesome to the employees and patrons on a daily basis.

Most of us would like to help those unfortunate folks get back to what we consider to be normal lives, but therein lies the conundrum. We are going to go out onto that

proverbial limb and conjecture that most of of those we have spoken to have exhibited signs of mental illness. Where can an arresting officer take them other than jail, which only serves to stem the misbehavior of the moment. Offenders are soon back on the street and the cycle begins all over again. We’ve been told that the City Attorney has told those issuing complaints to the police department to “Stop harassing the homeless”. Not surprisingly, that did nothing more than enable and intensify the problem.

There are several charitable organizations headquartered within a mile of the areas where the vagrants gather. There are also over 110 churches in Garland. Among all those resources there should be a way for intervention rather than arrest for the mentally ill and drug addicted homeless people gathering in downtown Garland and adjacent areas. From all outward appearances it seems there are only 20 to 30 individuals at this time, but the problem will grow if ignored.

For those in need of assistance, there are the following organizations and programs: Good Samaritans, Friendship House, New Beginning Center and Hope Clinic, which offers free medical services. If representatives from the area churches and those organizations were to take on the problem, it’s possible that a resolution would result. Garland could be the first municipality in the Metroplex to

establish a policy and procedure for getting those homeless individuals back on a constructive path and eliminate repeated incarcerations.

Nancy Ghirla

Email: [email protected]