The city of New Philadelphia is removing a pair of homeless encampments this week.
Service Director Ron McAbier says workers have been clearing out an encampment along the Tuscarawas River behind the shopping plaza that includes Big Lots. He says they also plan to remove the encampment along the river by New Towne Mall this week. The work is funded by a 12-thousand-dollar grant.
Joe Svancara with Friends for the Homeless, which runs the downtown homeless shelter, says that group has been trying to find someplace for those people to go.
Their Mobile Red Door project aims to find out what led people to homelessness and what they need to get out of that situation.
“We’ve had some success in bringing some into the shelter. Some have chosen not to enter the shelter or don’t qualify. So, it’s really a hit and miss individual based situation.”
Meanwhile, Svancara says construction at the homeless shelter at 211 East High Avenue is progressing well. He says it should be done by fall.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2025