BRUNSWICK, Ga. — City leaders in Brunswick are exploring new strategies to tackle homelessness. On Monday, city commissioners convened with local advocates, outreach groups, and law enforcement to deliberate on the next steps.

One suggestion was the potential closure of parks overnight, although some advocates, such as Wright Culpepper, Executive Director at FaithWorks, believe this might not be the most effective approach.

“It’s one thing to say you can’t be here, but when you run them off from here there’s no place to run them to,” said Culpepper. 

FaithWorks operates several homeless outreach services in Brunswick including Open Doors, Sparrows Nest, and the Well. 

“A major challenge for the homeless is the inability to get a full night’s sleep. They face not just police or code enforcement challenges but also the weather, enduring heat, cold, rain, and everything associated with being outdoors,” remarked Culpepper.

However, Culpepper does say he understands why people would be concerned with people sleeping in their area parks. 

“Of course, we don’t want any public areas, including sidewalks and parks, to be off-limits, but there are valid concerns,” stated Culpepper. “We need to establish a place for them to go, or at least guide them to somewhere when they’re told they can’t remain in a spot.”

Downtown Brunswick business owner Shayne Woodard agrees. 

“We definitely have a homeless issue, however, there are two sides to it,” said Woodard. “While we empathize with the homeless, as a business, it’s crucial to run operations and maintain a positive city image.”

Woodard has been working downtown for nearly a decade and he says while it’s still a problem, things are getting better. 

“I’ve noticed an effort to proactively keep parks clear, yet at night, individuals still set up shelters,” added Woodard.

The nearby Mary Ross Waterfront Park, where many people go to rest, already has a curfew in place, closing at 10 p.m. and reopening at 6 but Woodard says that doesn’t stop anything.

“It’s obvious they’re there and they’re living there, um, for the night,” said Woodard. “All their stuff’s everywhere.” 

But like Culpepper, he wants to see more people getting help, than just getting moved out of the area parks. 

“It doesn’t solve the issue and the issue is these people need some type of help,” said Woodard.