City, county authorities visit homeless encampment
Despite efforts of both City of Westland and Wayne County officials, a long-time and growing homeless encampment remains entrenched in a wooded area behind the Kroger store on Michigan Avenue and Merriman Road in the city.
The camp is located on county-owned land and has been of concern to multiple agencies. Westland police, behavioral health clinicians, and substance abuse disorder specialists have visited the site offering health and safety services including rides to shelters, clothing, sleeping bags and other resources. Most services and help been refused by the campers, noted Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman. He said the city is very aware of the situation and noted that since the property is owned by the county, city control is limited.
“Because it’s government property, people can kind of go on there, and unless they’re asked to leave, they stay. Certainly, some people are struggling and want to find housing. But also, for some people, it’s a choice to kind of live outdoors,” Coleman told local news media.
He said he is seeking state and federal funding in an effort to address the homeless in the city.
Westland Police Department Deputy Chief Robert Wilkie said officers have repeatedly visited the area, despite county ownership. He said officers, a department Behavioral Health Clinician and Substance Use Disorder Specialist have visited the area and spoken with people living there. Most services and aid were declined Wilkie said. That hasn’t halted department efforts, he added, and during winter months, officers and clinicians have distributed coats that convert to sleeping bags, winter clothing, and snacks.
In a statement, Wilkie said Wayne County Parks was recently on-site addressing the situation and that the department would continue working with other agencies toward a resolution.
“The Westland Police Department recognizes the public has concerns involving this situation and will continue its proactive work to offer both assistance and services to the homeless while also working toward resolving this situation with the other agencies involved,” Wilkie said.
Wayne County Communications Director Matt Allen said Wayne County Parks has addressed the encampment twice since the end of July and planned another assessment visit.
“Our approach is to treat all persons with dignity as we seek a holistic approach to solving this problem going forward,” Allen said. Currently, resources available to homeless individuals is available at Wayne County Family Center: 30600 Michigan Ave, Westland, MI 48186 | (734) 721-0590 (Emergency shelter for families); Wayne Metro CAA Westland: 32150 Dorsey St Suite 16, Westland, MI 48186 | (734) 284-6999 (Housing stability and assistance) and The Salvation Army Wayne-Westland Corps: 2300 S Venoy Road, Westland, MI 48186.
