MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The camping ban approved by Morgantown voters goes into effect on Wednesday.
The first violation of the ordinance results in a written warning and information about available shelter and services, both locally and regionally. A second violation may result in a fine of up to $200 and information about available shelter and services. A third violation within 12 months may result in a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail, along with information about available shelter and services and alternative sentencing options.
On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” communications director with the city Brad Riffiee said an alternative sentencing program is built-in and the city will partner with Valley Health Care Systems and their Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program.
“The city adopted the new article 1157 of city code, which prohibits camping on public property,” Riffie said. ” So, the city is required to create an alternative sentencing program, and that’s what we’ve done.”
Steve Bennett from Valley Health Systems said they can be the buffer between jail and an offender in an effort to direct them to treatment. The LEAD program has been used in other areas of the state with positive results.
“Police officers, courts, or probation may have someone who has violated probation or committed a crime based on substance abuse or mental health; they can reach out to us as an alternative to arrest, and we can get someone into treatment,” Bennett said.
Riffie made it clear the city is seeking to help people, regardless of their housing status, get into treatment if they are in violation of the law in the future. Valley Health Systems has an office near the current location of Hazel’s House of Hope at 31 Scott Avenue.
“We really look at our friends over here at Valley Health as that third party that is going to be able to help us coordinate these efforts and provide the best alternative options to anyone who might be in violation of the ordinance,” Riffe said.
Samantha Burgess with Valley Health Systems, said the services they’ll be offering have been available, and they want to amplify the fact they are there. They plan to inform as many groups and organizations as possible that the services are on Scott Avenue.
“It’s definitely going to fill the gap, and it’s something we’ve had for a little longer than what people think, but it’s just getting people to those and notifying the public that they’re there,” Burgess said. ” Not only the public, but also the people who protect our community don’t know the services are there.”
On Hazel’s House of Hope, Burgess said the concept has been very effective for the organizations and the people using the services. She expects more services will be available to more people in need as a result of this ordinance.
“Very effective, especially now with Hazel’s House of Hope,” Burgess said. ” We have so many services right there, and we’re able to share the individuals that need the services and the information—we’re all right there close together, and it makes it easier to access everything.”