EARLIER THIS WEEK THE ONGOING issue regarding the behavior of some of our homeless citizens was brought to the fore once again. This time by a manager whose business is directly, and negatively impacted due to close proximity to Room at the Inn’s Warming Center on West Washington Street.
Matt Gougeon, General Manager of the Marquette Food Co-op issued a letter to members and the general public about that establishment’s policies concerning “people’s behavior, in and around the store.” He conceded, “It’s complicated.”
Coming to a Head
Apparently, both shoppers and employees are fed up. My words. Gougeon, in his attempt to be more sensitive to the subject, suggested customers and staff feel “beleaguered by managing the poorly behaved and having to clean up after them.” Thus, his letter explaining how the popular store plans to “re-establish boundaries to ensure a comfortable and smooth shopping experience.”
Acknowledging his understanding of homelessness in Marquette is “incomplete and biased by isolated observances,” Gougeon justifies his action by revealing his staff has told him, “we are under siege.”
Here’s something else we should acknowledge, homelessness is a complicated issue everywhere… not just Marquette.
Unfortunately, knowing he’s not alone with his challenges doesn’t make Gougeon’s job any easier. When the bottom line is threatened, along with customers who often feel unsafe, the time for appeasement has passed.
Unacceptable Behavior
Citing things like panhandling, shoplifting, smoking and drinking, as well as abuse of bathroom privileges, Gougeon announced a set of measures the co-op will take to address the conduct he considers unacceptable.
The new plan includes such things as more definitive signage, better security, and a renewed line of communication with management at the Warming Center regarding expectations. At the same time, Gougeon makes it clear that all customers are welcome, as long as they adhere to the rules of basic decency.
So, problem solved? Uh, no.
If the issues with our homeless population were confined to only the Co-op, maybe the problem could be solved. But as we know, the Co-op’s story is just one of many.
Not Just the Co-op
Other nearby businesses, particularly the Ramada, also have to deal with frequent uncouth, if not criminal activity.
Pedestrians go out of their way to avoid the gauntlet of the center’s clients enjoying an after-dinner smoke, or engaging in some adults-only entertainment.
The multi-use path behind the center can be perilous at times, and doesn’t offer the visibility and security of the street. I know parents are instructing their young ones to avoid that stretch. And likely avoiding it themselves too.
Speaking of street visibility, it may be the biggest issue of all. Thousands of cars pass by that place every day… residents and visitors alike. What they see is a segment of our population, a little rough around the edges due to the wear and tear of life in the margins. There they are, front and center, a little delinquent on their personal hygiene, occasionally confrontational… and just letting it all hang out.
Not A Good Look
How do you change the optics? I don’t think you can. If it was possible, it would have been done by now. I’m sure Room at the Inn (RATI) Executive Director Chelsea Wilkinson is well aware of public opinion. What more can she do? The place appears to be operating over capacity, serving an eclectic cast of characters… from the merciful to the menacing. How do you deal with that?
As long as we have Room at the Inn, and as long as they’re going to run a homeless shelter, it’s not going to be something resembling the Federated Women’s Clubhouse. That ain’t happening.
The only reasonable solution, as most would agree, is a different location. How about that vacant lot in your neighborhood?
A new facility, somewhere other than our downtown, would solve a lot of the problems. Or at least some of them.
It Takes A Village
Where? When? How? All good questions, with no real good answers.
We can put the where and the when on the back burner. But, how? I reached out to the Community Foundation of Marquette County to check their involvement. Gougeon mentioned that organization as a partner in the fostering of a safer space for all.
According to foundation CEO Zosia Eppensteiner, “The Community Foundation is working with the Marquette Food Co-op to establish the Room at the Inn Designated Endowment. Through this permanent charitable fund, contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations will be invested to build a long-term source of support.”
Whether or not that kind of support could lead to meaningful capital improvement, like a new facility, is unknown. But it’s a start.
If you recall, RATI was interested in the Great Lakes Recovery property at the corner of Presque Isle and Wright Street when that agency announced they were moving up the road. Unfortunately, Northern swooped in and acquired the spot before RATI could swing a deal.
With that, it appears RATI is at least on the lookout for a new home in a more suitable location. Would that mean more capacity? Maybe, but that’s not what Wilkinson has in mind. She’s previously stated she doesn’t want more homeless dependent on their services. She would prefer they find stable settings, other than the Warming Center.
Live With It
Until Room at the Inn identifies a new location, we’re stuck with the status quo. If it continues to be a thorn in the city’s side, would RATI ever just shut the Warming Center down? Would that even help, or would that just expand the problem’s perimeter?
There are no good answers. The cops can only do so much. Arrests for criminal actions only result in fines that don’t get paid, or jail time, for which there’s no room at that inn either. When subjects are simply loitering, they’ll be encouraged to move on. Okay. Move on where?
In his statement, Gougeon includes the obligatory concession that recognizes the complex layers of the reasons for homelessness. In other words, they’re not all bad people with ill intentions. Many are not looking for a handout, but rather a hand up. And certainly there are some who would like to find a way out of their situation. RATI and other community agencies have programs designed to provide just such assistance. But you have to ask for it.
On the Same Page?
It’s entirely possible a fair number of co-op members are more sympathetic to the plight of those selling their stories in the parking lot and would prefer Gougeon temper his stance. Those would likely be the same people making it profitable for the go-getters to set up shop there in the first place. Do their modest contributions actually help fill bellies, or do they just feed the dependency?
Without putting a couple bucks in a well-worn hat, people wanting to help can still do so in a number of ways. Eppensteiner explains… “Marquette County has a long tradition of generosity and service to the local community through gifts of ‘time, talent and treasure.’ People can support these efforts by providing financial contributions, in kind donations, volunteer efforts, cross-sector collaboration, and advocacy for solutions that expand housing opportunities and strengthen support services.”
Taking a Stand
Whatever comes of the co-op’s efforts to address their homeless neighbors’ unwanted advances, Gougeon should be applauded for his candor and commitment to the Co-op’s membership. It’s a welcomed attempt at mitigating a difficult situation, with issues hard to anticipate, and even harder to navigate.
Yeah. It’s complicated.