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Mayor Wants To Set Homeless Record Straight | News, Sports, Jobs

Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund

Nearly three months after her homeless emergency declaration, Mayor Kim Ecklund is still trying to set the record straight about what the city has and has not done.

Ecklund declared a state of emergency for the city on July 25 to try and garner more support from state and federal officials. At the time of the emergency declaration, Ecklund said there were between 200 and 300 homeless in the city. City officials said the increase in homeless camping throughout the city was creating health and safety concerns that include human waste accumulating in public spaces, needles being disposed of carelessly and trash and debris strewn throughout homeless encampments. City officials said they have also seen increases in littering, with garbage and debris in public spaces and attracting rodents, roaches, and other pests.

One of the statements that has drawn criticism from some is Ecklund’s desire for those who want to help the homeless to channel their help to agencies that are helping the homeless rather than providing direct assistance. Ecklund explained her reasoning to The Post-Journal earlier this week.

“It is critical to address the false claims that the city of Jamestown has implemented rules or ordinances preventing assistance to homeless individuals. This misinformation is entirely inaccurate and undermines the significant work being done to tackle homelessness in our community.

At no time has the city directed any person, organization, or business to cease supporting those in need,” she said in a statement. “From the outset of the state of emergency, we have emphasized the need to focus on established programs that provide meaningful, long-term solutions for those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues. We continue to urge the community to collaborate with organizations such as St. Susan’s Center, the United Christian Advocacy Network (UCAN), the Salvation Army, the Mental Health Association (MHA), Community Helping Hands, and local churches and faith-based groups. These organizations are dedicated to delivering sustainable assistance and have consistently conveyed their need for volunteers, donations, and other resources.”

Ecklund added that her reasoning for partnering and channeling donations with organizations like the St. Susan Center is that it can expand the value of the donation.

“One dollar buys a can of food at the store, but that same one dollar, may buy two or three cans of food utilizing the St. Susans Center’s buying power and connections,” she said. “That’s what I meant by encouraging residents to channel their goodwill through structured programs that offer sustainable support and promote self-sufficiency.”

The mayor said that no one in her administration has hindered, stopped or blocked anyone wishing to support the homeless, and part of the reasoning for issuing a state of emergency is to bring much needed funding into the city to help address the ongoing crisis.

“The ongoing spread of misinformation, especially through social media, is deeply troubling as it creates unnecessary division at a time when unity is critical. To address homelessness effectively, we must set aside differences and work together. By fostering cooperation and mutual understanding, we can create real, lasting solutions. Instead of letting misinformation divide us, we should focus on building a community where collective action and compassion guide us toward a stronger, more resilient Jamestown, committed to the well-being of all its residents,” she said.

The city has spent more than $100,000 to clean up homeless encampments over the past three months. Several downtown businesses had raised concerns about the homeless affecting their businesses, including one that began locking its front door during business hours and others that have locked their bathrooms to patrons.

“The bottom line is the state of emergency declaration was needed and is needed,” Ecklund said. “It’s needed for not only the homeless, but the non-profits and agencies trying to help them as well.”

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