WORCESTER, Mass. - As temperatures rise, it seems so too does the number of unsheltered homeless people, especially in downtown Worcester. It's a problem businesses are experiencing first-hand.


What You Need To Know

  • Homelessness in Worcester a concern for some as the summer approaches

  • City councilor Etel Haxhiaj said she expects the number of unsheltered people to grow locally

  • City Manager Eric Batista said he is a proponent of supportive housing, which would provide tenants with a lease as well as wraparound services

  • Batista said his hope is the city will work with local hospitals to provide mental health support to members of Worcester's homeless population

"Encroachment onto private property," said Alex Guardiola of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. "That's a big concern because a lot of these business owners pay a lot of taxes, and every morning they have to get up and either pick up an encampment or trash, needles."

For City Manager Eric Batista, finding a solution is challenging.

"Creating that balance is difficult because you want to provide the services, you want to provide the support - substance abuse, mental health, behavioral health services to the individuals," Batista said. "But at the same time, we understand and we want to protect the rights of property owners."

Data from the Central Mass. Housing Alliance shows homelessness rose more than 40% last August. Guardiola said it’s been an issue for years, and inflation and higher housing costs aren't helping.

Some city councilors are asking city leadership to come up with a temporary solution and long-term plan to house the homeless. In the meantime, Guardiola said affordable housing has become a focal point.

"I think obviously, market and such will always be part of it," said Guardiola. "But, we need to make sure, the inclusionary zoning got passed. That'll require some sector of affordable."

Worcester's new inclusionary zoning ordinance states new developments of 12 or more units will have to set aside 10% to 15% of them as "affordable."

The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District describes the current state of the market as a housing crisis. CEO Evelyn Darling said in a statement, "People need affordable housing, along with greater access to services for mental health and substance use disorder."

Batista agrees, which is why he's a proponent of supportive housing.

"Supportive housing is providing an opportunity for somebody to have an apartment, a unit, a roof over their head, with a lease," Batista said. "They're a leased tenant but it has wraparound services."