MADISON, Wis. — A proposed bill would limit where people experiencing homelessness could camp, if it passes and becomes law.
This bill would also give local and state officials the authority to tell people where they could camp outside.
If violated, people could receive fines of up to $500 and be put in jail for no more than 30 days.
Fares Fares is the drop-in shelter manager at the Men’s Drop-in Shelter on Madison’s East Side. He said if the bill is passed, this could have unintended consequences.
“They wouldn’t be able to pay it; then they would have to go to court and they would have a criminal background, which would make it even harder for them to find housing,” said Fares.
Fares said over the past few months, he has seen the need for shelter in Madison increase drastically.
“This building was originally meant for 150 people, but right now we are serving up to 300 a night,” said Fares. “Everyone needs shelter; regardless, we are not going to turn anyone away, especially in winter time.”
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there are 4,907 people homeless on any given night in Wisconsin; 614 of them are in Madison.
Fares said most people living out on the streets are suffering from untreated mental health issues that get worse during winter months.
“People go through seasonal depression that triggers other mental health issues,” said Fares. “A lot of my staff try to solve the problems that people are having but we aren’t professional therapists but we do what we can.”
John is currently unemployed and stays at the Men’s Drop-in Shelter at night. He said he has been struggling with homelessness for most of his life. He said he also struggles with split personality disorder.
“I use my food stamps, buy my soda. I also drink it but not too much and I sell them for a dollar each,” said John.
If fined for camping outside, he said he would not be able to pay the fine. He said he wishes there were more mental health resources available in the city.
“I think there should be a lot more shelters, well not a lot more shelters, but different shelters for the ones that are mentally [handicapped],” said John.