Wheeling’s “unmanaged” managed homeless camp

WHEELING, W.Va. – With reports of homeless people allegedly bathing in a fountain at the Catholic church’s St. Joseph Cathedral and the new splash pad by WesBanco Arena, it seems that Wheeling has a homeless problem. The city has rolled out yet another solution to its problem–managed homeless camps.

But who will be in charge of these homeless camps and what will the rules be?

Dimitri Vassilaros host of Dimitri: Live & Dangerously Local! asked city officials Bob Herron, City Manager, and Michelle Rejonis, Marketing & Community Relations Specialist, about the job requirements, duties and salary of the homeless camp manager position.

Herron responded, saying the city of Wheeling would not manage the homeless encampments. Herron added that there is now only one designated homeless area in the city.

Although there is no homeless manager for this camp, Wheeling City Council created a special Homeless Liaison position in 2021. Here are some of the qualifications for that role as listed on the city’s website:

• Develops, implements, and manages the City of Wheeling’s comprehensive support program recommending solutions and strategies to address homelessness within the City.
• Maintains real-time data relating to Wheeling’s unsheltered population providing accurate reporting and statistical information as requested and through the use of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. Licensed Social Worker also preferred.

Melissa Adams served at the Homeless Liaison from 2021 to 2024 until she resigned. Wheeling City Council did not renew the position.

Homeless people are also apparently being tracked though the Homeless Management Information System listed in the Homeless Liaison job posting.

According to HUD Exchange, HMIS “is a local information technology system used to collect client-level data and data on the provision of housing and services to individuals and families at risk of and experiencing homelessness.”

If the city is tracking the homeless, how will they determine where the homeless will be placed and what services they will receive. How many homeless people are in Wheeling?

Dimitri also asked what rules will be in place for the homeless camps. He suggests they be afforded the same experience people have when checking into a hotel. Like other citizens and travelers, the homeless should show ID and follow basic house rules of conduct, Dimitri said. He argues that unmanaged homeless camps mean no rules or regulations.

You can watch Dimitri’s episode on the homeless encampments here.

Follow River News Network online and on Facebook and X (Twitter) as we explore the Wheeling homeless issue.