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Concerns over the clientele at a Falconer motel has indeed shed new light on the area's homeless population, the executive director of the UCAN City Mission believes.
But not necessarily the right kind of light, Aaron Wadin said in an op-ed published in today's edition of The Post-Journal.
"Whose right is it for anyone on the outside looking in to demand or even voice an opinion that one of these businesses only house folks seen to them as 'acceptable' in their neighborhood?" Wadin asked.
His comments follow ongoing complaints by some Falconer residents and the village's mayor over the county's frequent use of the Budget Inn to temporarily house individuals and families.
In 2022, the county spent $1,362,639 in temporary housing, not including Code Blue housing, which is used when temperatures drop below freezing in the winter. Of the $1.362 million, $290,112 was spent at the Budget Inn.
Issues with the East Main Street establishment are well-documented. In 2018, then-Mayor James Rensel noted how often officers and volunteer firefighters responded to the motel for EMS and calls for police assistance.
"You have to be compassionate about people's positions in life," Rensel said, "but it's taxing our volunteer capital."
A former Budget Inn manager told The Post-Journal in 2018 that rumors often associated with the motel were untrue and that a police presence was not always for trouble.
"If I find drugs, I throw them out," the manager said. "Sometimes, I do have to call the police (to do that)."
Christine Schuyler, formerly the county's Commissioner of Social Services and public health director, addressed Falconer's concerns in 2018, stating the county has to utilize hotels and motels when finding housing, sometimes for former jail inmates. She noted the lack of supervision at such establishments and the possibility of drug use.
At the time, she said former inmates would be handed off to the county Health Department without prior notice. She said this results in using places such as motels and hotels.
On an average day, Wadin said about five to seven of UCAN's 20-plus men utilizing the shelter are able to receive temporary housing assistance.
Regarding the homeless population, he said the area is not exempt from poverty, drug use and rising costs of housing.
"In prior years, people maybe did not want to see the growing issue of homelessness," Wadin told The Post-Journal. "You used to have to look a little bit harder one or two years ago then you do now to see what is going on around us. What will it look like in one or two more years when we are the only year-round homeless shelter for men with a small capacity? The need for housing for men, women and children, and entire families is growing."
In just the last three weeks, Wadin said it "feels" as if the problems with poverty and homelessness have become more "tangible" in the community
"We see women coming by on a regular basis trying to sell their bodies and bringing an array of illegal drugs with them," he said. "The other organizations in the community we work with on a regular basis are also full and feeling overwhelmed -- and the cold months are not even here yet."
The lack of affordable housing is playing a role as well. He said many residents may be one missed paycheck away from eviction.
"Life events have domino effects and can cause people to turn to substance abuse and financial ruin," he said. "However, not everyone who is experiencing homelessness is what the stereotypical person may think of."
He said UCAN assists a variety of men with various backgrounds, current situations and mental fitness levels.
"To use a sports analogy, if you are not a decent player, you play where the ball was," he said. "If you are an average player, you play where the ball is. If you are a smart player, you play where the ball is going to be."
He continued, "I believe that as a community, we are hanging on to playing where the ball is, and we are soon going to be in danger of never playing where the ball will be. We have to pull funds, resources and the willingness to work together to help this growing issue. It will only increase."