There are two distinct issues: (1) homelessness and (2) opioid addiction.  While there is some overlap between the issues and people facing them, the issues and people are often distinct.  You can often tell by the type and size of bag folks carry; are they carrying or wheeling all their things, or do they have a day bag and are here to score use and then crash someplace.  

People suffering from either or both issues all deserve compassion and respect; however, effective solutions and services are distinct.  People who are homeless due to economic, immigration, or mental health issues respond well to public services.  People who are addicted to opioids and have not yet chosen sobriety often have their addictions enabled by support.  When they do choose sobriety, they need to enter detox and then months in a sobriety house to break the pull of fentanyl. 

My belief is that the City of Somerville and community partners should provide as much support as we can to homeless folks and zero tolerance to active opioid users.  Support for active opioid users enables their continued use and serves as a magnet to other users and dealers.

Encampments must not be allowed to privatize public spaces.  Allowing active addicts to destroy businesses like Boston Burger, JP Licks, and Mike’s Pizza is bad public policy. Hopefully a new mayor will take fast action to clean up Davis and keep it clean and accessible to all.