Greenville, Camas Councils Debate Public Camping Bans Amid Homelessness Concerns

The City of Greenville, South Carolina, is actively discussing a proposed ordinance that would ban camping, sleeping, and storing personal items in public spaces such as parks, plazas, sidewalks, and parking structures. Councilmember John DeWorken introduced the ordinance following constituent concerns, aiming to address public safety and sanitation while coordinating with nonprofits like Greenville Together to assist individuals experiencing homelessness with housing options. However, the proposal has met significant public opposition, with advocates arguing that criminalizing sleeping in public unfairly targets homeless individuals who have nowhere else to go and that such ordinances do not effectively reduce homelessness. Greenville Together emphasizes prioritizing outreach and housing solutions over enforcement, cautioning that enforcing such laws may be more costly than investing in affordable housing. City Council has postponed the vote to further study community feedback and alternative approaches, underscoring the complexity of balancing public order with compassion for vulnerable populations. The city is committed to continuing dialogue with stakeholders to craft a humane and effective strategy to address homelessness without exacerbating the challenges faced by those affected.