With no overnight options, homeless individuals are struggling to find shelter in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. — With no homeless shelter currently available in Jackson, officers are continuing to respond to encampments across the city.

On Friday, July 18, the Jackson Police Department enforced a trespassing complaint involving homeless individuals who had set up camp in the wooded area between Old Hickory Blvd and Hollywood Drive.

According to JPD, this is their second visit removing people from the area.

“There were a few [people] that I was made aware of that were put on trespassing notice and recommended that they find another location to go to,” said Derick Tisdale, deputy chief with JPD.

JPD officers issued four notices, though no arrests were made.

“Incarceration is not always the answer. Because we’ve kind of understood that, we’ve tried to partner with these organizations who have resources that may be able to provide assistance beyond taking someone to jail,” said Tisdale.

Two individuals received Greyhound bus tickets that wanted to go back home, a collaboration effort from JPD and Tennessee Homeless Solutions (THS).

As for the others, there is no permanent solution here in the Hub City.

“There is nowhere, unfortunately, for them to go because there is no overnight shelter,” said Amy McDonald, director for THS.

Earlier this year, city council appropriated $600,000 to donate funds to the nonprofit for an overnight shelter.

“The whole men’s shelter plan fell through when the CRA did not vote,” said McDonald.

SEE ALSO: Hub City homeless shelter faces uncertainty after being put on hold

Since then, THS has adjusted plans, but will still open a men’s shelter that serves 15 men at a time, with the goal of permanent housing.

“And even the facility that we’re doing, that’s just daytime,” said McDonald.

Until a permanent facility is established, the cycle of displacement is expected to continue. According to JPD, the property owner or taxpayers will have to cover the cost of removal of the leftover items.

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