WHEELING, W.Va. — City of Wheeling administrators say another exempted homeless camp will not be opened in the city following the closure of a previous site that had fallen into unsanitary and unsafe conditions.
City officials reported that multiple departments documented serious health and safety concerns at the camp, ultimately leading to its shutdown. In the aftermath, the City spent more than $41,000 to clean and restore the area.
Administrators say the decision is based on the significant financial burden placed on taxpayers, as well as public health and safety risks tied to the camp’s condition. While officials acknowledged the ongoing challenges related to homelessness in the community, they said future efforts will focus on alternatives that are safer, more sustainable, and better monitored.
City leaders have not announced where displaced individuals may relocate but say they will continue to work with local agencies and service providers in an effort to find more appropriate solutions.
