HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-920 - Safe Camping Initiative (11)
CityClerk
From:Shelby Koshy <shelbykoshylcsw@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 17, 2025 11:23 AM
To:Agenda Item Comment
Cc:Stafford, Bob; Jones, D'Andre; Moore, Sarah; Wiederkehr, Mike; Berna, Scott; Bunch,
Sarah; Turk, Teresa; Jones, Monique
Subject:Safe Camp 6/17/25
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Shelby Koshy
shelbykoshylcsw@gmail.com
6/17/25
Fayetteville City Council
113 W. Mountain St.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Dear Members of the Fayetteville City Council,
I am writing to express my support for the establishment of a Safe Camp for unhoused individuals and families within the
City of Fayetteville. As a former Director of Housing, Programs, and Guest Services supporting unhoused individuals and
families in South Fayetteville, I saw first hand the impact and results of coordinating care through a Safe Camp during the
height of COVID. Through partnership with the City of Fayetteville, Salvation Army, 7hills Homeless Center, the
Fayetteville Housing Authority, the HUD/VASH program at the VA, and others, over 50 people were able to gain access
to housing.
I have seen the pros and cons of using Safe Camp as a bridge to stable housing for individuals in our community. Safe
Camp provided dignity and stability with consistent access to shelter, sanitation, and safety. It improved public health and
safety by having a designated area for camping to reduce the impact on unsanctioned encampments in the city, providing
better hygiene for all. Most importantly, it offered a centralized site with quick access to service providers, case
management, housing navigators, and other support professionals. This allowed for support staff to build relationships and
offer support consistently. Safe Camp served as a stepping stone to housing. It allowed Case Managers and Housing
Coordinators to assist in helping unhoused folks gain access to benefits, employment, and documents needed for housing.
Of course, as with all ventures, there were cons. Managing the health and safety of Safe Camp takes funding, staffing, and
oversight. During the height of COVID, we did our best to manage these aspects, but fell short at times. I have heard often
that Safe Camp did not work because the designated area “was trashed.” With additional oversight and structure, I believe
this can be managed. Program rules allow for more accountability for the individuals served. Clear expectations and
processes for how to meet those expectations must be addressed at the beginning and throughout the course of the project.
Appropriate funding should be allocated to meet the expectations and provide appropriate sanitation services.
We know through research and sharing of information that cities like Austin, Missoula, and Tacoma have used Safe
Camps and Safe Parking as a temporary step towards long term housing. This takes coordinated effort and partnerships
with all agencies and organizations, as well as community engagement and involvement.
Safe Camp is not the final answer to homelessness, but it can be a step in a continuum of services offered to unhoused
individuals and families. When structured and funded effectively, it can act as a foundation for people to access services,
pursue employment, pursue housing, and gain skills needed to move forward towards their recovery.
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Thank you for your time and for considering this initiative as part of a comprehensive response to homelessness in our
community. I appreciate your service to our community, which can often be a thankless job.
Shelby Koshy, LCSW
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