A Big Roanoke Problem That Won't Go Away

I've talked to Roanoke City Council members about this sad situation around the city where tent cities have sprung up (using tents the city gave the homeless) and others searching to find a warm spot on these winter nights. 

A big snow is coming this weekend and I'm just not sure we as a city are prepared to take care of these people, some of whom simply want to be left alone.

The "tent city" pictured here is behind Lowe's and Kroger on Rutgers Road in the Northwest quadrant of the city (about a mile from my house) and it is clearly visible from the road to the airport. 

You will note here that a lot of debris is left, including chairs, lumber, tents, and a lot of other broken pieces. There were no people in the camp that I could see when I shot these pictures, but there was an ambulance taking care of somebody, I would assume a resident.

The sleeping bag was occupied by a person in the men's bathroom at Smith Park at noon Wednesday. There was urine on the floor and the remains of a Vienna sausage dinner swam in it. The resident was snoring and I didn't wake him.

I simply don't know what the solution is. Some of the homeless want help and some simply don't. Others are mentally ill or addicted. I've talked to a few who enjoy the "freedom" of being without a home. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution and I am not sure the city is equipped to solve the problem. After all, it is composed of citizens of Roanoke, people who sympathize but don't have the answer. 

Will money fix the problem? Will volunteers? What do you suggest?