The “homeless camp” in the parking lot at First United Methodist Church has sparked some controversy in Great Falls.
From KRTV: “An encampment has been on the church’s property since the winter of 2021 when Pastor Jeff Wakely noticed homeless people struggling with the cold weather. Attempting to lend a helping hand, the pastor let the homeless stay on the property and began the encampment in the parking lot despite breaking zoning codes.”
Some people think the church is doing a good thing by offering the homeless (unhomed? transient? terms evolve…) a place to stay. From KRTV: “It’s not a problem you’re going to solve, it’s a problem you’re going to manage. The community needs to take responsibility for it. We’re all a part of the community regardless of whether you’re poor or homeless or whatever. We’re all a part of what makes up the community, we’re all neighbors.””
Other people think it is a gathering place for criminals, the mentally ill, and/or otherwise “undesirables.”
From The Electric: “Area residents and business owners complained about noise, debris, public drinking and drug use and safety concerns.”
Jack over at The Western Word noted: “Churches are supposed to help people. God bless Pastor Jeff Wakeley and the members of the First United Methodist Church for doing their part.”
As for me – I don’t have an answer to this problem. I try to always err on the side of kindness, but that alone is not likely to solve this.
I drove by on Friday evening to check it out – it’s along the south side of 2nd Avenue North between 6th Street and 7th Street.
