Morgantown Camping Ban Opposition Sign-On
This ban would effectively criminalize the existence of the unhoused population within the city.
At the July 2nd, 2024 Morgantown City Council meeting, Councilor Louise “Weez” Michael proposed an ordinance to expand the city's existing ban on camping in public parks to camping and sleeping on all public property. As existing city code already prohibits camping and sleeping in parks, this ordinance would extend the ban to cover sidewalks, city streets, alleyways, and residential properties--and does not make exceptions for folks with nowhere else to go.
This ban would effectively criminalize the existence of the unhoused population within the city. Similarly, and repeatedly denied by Councilor Michael is the objective, indisputable fact that the city of Morgantown currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to enforce the ordinance as the language currently stands. Expanding a ban to encapsulate the entirety of the city without offering adequate, low-barrier shelter would result in repeatedly incurred fines and the potential for jail time for unhoused persons. You can read more about the penalties for breaking this ordinance by visiting https://morgantownwv.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08202024-3122 & scrolling to page 75.
Not only does this proposed ban intentionally avoid addressing the root of the problem, but it also actively punishes the members of our community who are already facing the daily trauma of being poor and unhoused.
Should the ordinance be passed, Morgantown Coalition for Housing Action (MoCHA) will work with the community to file a referendum to repeal the inhumane policy. Please sign this petition to express dissent for the ordinance and support for a referendum to repeal it should it pass. You will be contacted later for an official signature if needed. Thank you for showing up for our neighbors!
Morgantown Coalition for Housing Action (MoCHA) is a group of community members and organizations working together to improve resources for the unsheltered in Morgantown, WV. MoCHA runs on a mutual aid model of direct, collective action.
Sign-on link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4l2lvL8szxBSju7Qs2KSadh-VnzByJ1cfi67Joi60JTiZYg/viewform?pli=1
WV Holler links: https://linktr.ee/hollerwestvirginia