City officials say progress is slow on finding long-term solutions to the humanitarian crisis, but they continue to work on providing housing and services to people living on the streets or with addiction.
Back in January, city officialsa large tent encampment in Boston, near the intersection of Mass. Ave. and Melnea Cass Boulevard. But over the last few months of warmer weather, dozens of people have returned to the area.
Data from Boston police echo that experience. Weekly crime statistics for the neighborhood show that violent crime for the period from January through mid-August is up 6% from the same period in 2021.The so-called Engagement Center in the neighborhood — where people could drop in during the day to use restrooms or be connected with services — is now operating in a limited capacity after a number of violentin the spring.
Some area business leaders have expressed frustration about the crowds and the violence, according to Sue Sullivan, executive director of the Newmarket Business Association. Since the area was designated a"business improvement district," local businesses have joined together to contribute to a fund that has paid for security cameras, private security patrols and cleaning up the neighborhood.
"Police are focusing on increasing arrests of people identified as drug dealers, not necessarily the people who are dealing with a disease," said Tania Del Rio, director of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's coordinated response team."Some people come here because they have a substance use disorder and they have found a space where they can be cared for and they can be kept alive.
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