Sleeping ban nabbing tents, not people

FINDLAY — So far, Findlay's enforcement of its public sleeping ban has been focused on tents, not homeless people. The Findlay Police Department began "tagging" tents in February for removal within 24 hours. Outreach workers from the Family Resource Center's LEAD Hancock County program were then notified of the tag by the officer. Council voted unanimously on Jan. 9 to approve "unhoused camps and public sleeping" legislation that bans sleeping on the sidewalks, streets, alleyways or at an entrance to public or private property. Any person found sleeping in these areas could be immediately removed. Campsites on sidewalks, streets, alleys, any public right of way, park, public property or under any bridge or viaduct are also prohibited, unless they're allowed by a formal emergency declaration by the service-safety director. Violating the new ordinance would be considered a minor misdemeanor and carry a fine of up to $25. Repeat offenses would be considered a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. "We automatically get notified by the officer. We already were working very closely with the police. Police officers encounter people who are struggling to meet basic needs or with behavioral health every day," said Cristina Christensen, criminal justice supervisor at the Family Resource Center. Christensen said city officials contacted the center before the ban was enacted, seeking resources for individuals impacted by it. "We get out the same day. We get out there pretty quickly, but so far, no individual has been seen," Christensen said. LEAD stands for "Let Everyone Advance with Dignity." Christensen said it seemed like a natural fit. LEAD Hancock County is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance. It is the only LEAD program in Ohio. Local partner agencies include: The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Hancock County, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, City Mission of Findlay, City of Findlay Mayor's Office, Findlay Municipal Court, Findlay Police Department, Families and Children First Council (FCFC), FOCUS Recovery and Wellness Community, Hancock County Probate and Juvenile Court, Hancock County Public Health, Hancock County Sheriff's Office, Welcome to a New Life and the Family Resource Center. LEAD works to connect people to community resources for help with meeting basic needs or finding mental health services. LEAD Hancock County has created a business card with information that can be distributed by law enforcement when there is a need. The card includes directions to finding shelter in the community, along with an outreach number, and a QR code directed to www.hancockhelps.org. The website provides lists of community resources by category, including housing, food security, mental health, domestic violence and others. In all, there are 24 categories, addressing an array of needs and resources. Christensen said the cards went out last week to both the Findlay Police Department and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. The resource line can be reached by calling 419-273-6050 or by dialing 988, and online at www.hancockhelps.org. "Our law enforcement officers came up with the idea. They don't want to leave an interaction without being able to offer some assistance," said Christensen. "I think it speaks to the level of investments that our officers have here in Findlay." Individuals in need of shelter for a night can check into the City Mission of Findlay's low-barrier shelter between the hours of 8-10 p.m. Law enforcement officials can transport individuals to the shelter at any time. The City Mission is located at 510 W. Main Cross St. Christensen said she understands the city's need for a ban on public sleeping: tents in the parks; drug paraphernalia in the creeks. "People see that. We don't want dangerous objects in our parks. The goal is to figure out how we can help these individuals, while keeping these areas clean and safe for the people who use them," she said. "We have to do something different. This has been refreshing. It feels like it is about addressing recidivism, and how to best keep people out of the system." More information about LEAD Hancock County is available online at www.hancockcountylead.org.