Sioux City officials last week added a new online tool for reporting homeless encampments as the city works to address and remove them. But some advocates worry it could go too far.
Monique Scarlett is founder and president of Unity in the Community, which works to build trust between local residents and law enforcement.
She says there’s a growing homeless population in Sioux City.
“Our country's economic situation is not getting any better. More people are losing their jobs. There's more mental health issues than ever before. Our youth of homeless population has increased, so it's not going away," Scarlett said.
Scarlett believes the intention of the reporting tool is good, but worries about misuse and unnecessary confrontations.
City officials say people living in encampments will be referred to resources through the police department’s Homeless Assistance Response Team.
Shayla Moore, the director of Sioux City’s Warming Shelter, says having a direct way to report concerns allows service providers to help the homeless population, without tying up emergency services that are already stretched thin.
