As I See It
What next for La Crosse’s homelessness problem?
Is there a new plan for solving La Crosse’s homelessness problem? Those in charge aren’t saying much yet, but a meeting is scheduled next week between the city and county of La Crosse with the agenda including an update on La Crosse’s homeless problem. Beyond that, it is not clear if the meeting will simply update area leaders on the status of the problem, or if they have some new solution to get people into housing. What is clear, is that nothing seems to be working. The city provided a campground at Houska park for the winter, which was left contaminated by dirty needles. When that ended, many of the homeless returned to other city parks which they frequented before, like Cameron Park downtown. That too has quickly become littered and the site of numerous police calls. It has gotten so bad, the Farmer’s Market has fewer vendors and fewer customers because people no longer want to spend time in that city park. There is a possibility the market may have to pack up, or move on. How long before the problem affects more of downtown? This is a city park and should be available to all residents. Let’s hope our elected officials have some solution for making that happen.
Sue Graf
May 31, 2023 at 7:38 am
What solutions do you suggest? It’s a growing problem for many reasons.
Sue Graf
May 31, 2023 at 7:38 am
Who’s in charge of solving a crisis? We all are. Let’s seek solutions
Kent Porter
May 31, 2023 at 8:32 am
ask the homeless one simple question WOULD YOU LIKE HELP ? IF THE ANSWER IS NO. THEM HAVE THE POLICE ARREST THEM FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION AND DRUG POSSESION AND LOCK THEM IN JAIL
Marc
May 31, 2023 at 8:59 am
Lacrosse just takes too long to do anything. Look how long it’s been since they closed the park for these people. A plan of action should have been in place by the time the park closed. Officials need to get the get this addressed ASAP instead of having meeting after meeting to do what. Lacrosse is dragging their heels on this is issue which should have been solved already.
Kent
June 8, 2023 at 3:01 pm
GIVE THE HOMELESS ALL THE HEROIN AND ALCOHL THEY CAN INGEST. THEN JUST BUY BODY BAGS IN BULK AND HALL THEM OUT OF THE PARKS AND RAMPS EVERY MORNING IN THE MEAT WAGON . OR LOCK EM UP DRY THEM OUT AND GET THEM JOBS
Scott Hiser
May 31, 2023 at 10:02 am
Build a small tent city for them. Outside the downtown area. We all know they will refuse proper help, so they can continue to use drugs.Its a serious problem, to be sure. But the general public needs to be kept safe from them.
R head
May 31, 2023 at 10:41 am
Plane tickets to La or New York. They would have better access to drug’s better weather. It’s a win win situation!
Raleigh Decorah
May 31, 2023 at 10:50 am
Hello I’m homeless in La Crosse and I want help but my issues seem to be outside anyone’s area of expertise and experience. While I try to make proper assessments and ask the right questions often with no answers. What solution(s) could be examples as to how to help resolve issues without answers??
Toni V K
June 1, 2023 at 1:06 am
There will never be a solid solution to this problem. Affordable housing is needed in La Crosse.