From West Virginia Council of Churches Executive Director Jeff Allen:
“HB 4753 would prohibit the siting or establishment of a homeless encampment which includes, but not limited to, outdoor encampments, temporary small homes on-site, tiny homes sheltering homeless persons, or care or feeding areas for homeless persons, within 1.500 feet of a public or private school, or licensed child care center.
“My understanding is that this bill as currently written will affect not only new homeless ministries but existing ones, as well. So, if you have a food pantry and daycare in the same building, hold a Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless, or aid the homeless in some other fashion, this could greatly affect that ministry.
“Please note that this bill specifically precludes the care and feeding of the homeless near a school and allows a ‘private cause of action for enforcement.’ No doubt some of our state’s congregations will wind up in court if this bill passes.”
Additionally, HB 4753 could affect homeless veterans and hamper disaster relief.
Please call or email your delegates in the State Legislature to oppose this bill.