Commissioner urges Mount Clemens workshop on homelessness after Select Care intake closure

Commissioner Menser urged the commission to schedule a workshop to address homelessness in Mount Clemens after he said the Henry Ford intake at Select Care closed, which he said may increase the number of people in the community who need services.

"We should be able to handle these homeless people with some compassion and empathy," Menser said, describing downtown scenes where "12 to 14 people gathered at the fountain stage, and some of them are washing laundry, in the fountain," and arguing that the city should balance compassion with keeping downtown welcoming for customers and businesses.

Menser said interim city manager Lisa Borghese has been in contact with the sheriff's department and Sergeant Gillespie and advocated for a focused workshop so commissioners can gather ideas and possible programs before winter. He invited residents to contact city administration or him with program suggestions.

The commission did not take immediate formal action on the suggestion; Menser said he hopes the city will convene a workshop to explore responses and coordinate with county and law enforcement partners.