Isabel Martin and RipLey Simone
5 hours ago
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) — Greenville City Council passed a second and final reading of an ordinance that prohibits people from sleeping in public for more than two hours.
Similar to the first reading, city council narrowly passed the second ordinance in a 4-3 vote.
Violators could face up to 30 days in jail and a $10 fine for “laying down or residing on public property,” or using a location as a living space.
The law would also ban storing belongings; preparing food; setting up bedding or tents and using a structure or car as a shelter.
A protestor stands with a sign reading “HOMELESS VETS ARE NOT CRIMINALS” before Greenville City Council met to pass the second reading of an anti-camping ordinance in Greenville.
The law would not apply to city-permitted events, anyone under 18, people experiencing medical emergencies and grassy park areas.
A nonprofit, Greenville Together, collaborated with city leaders to redefine parts of the ordinance.
“A homeless resource center doesn’t currently exist in Greenville and it’s something that Greenville Together has identified. That is a gap and a need in our community, and we’re committed to working alongside the city to provide funding to provide space, to make that a reality,” nonprofit director Cody Carver told 7NEWS.
Carver added that the ordinance’s new rules will emphasize connecting those in need with resources before imposing fines.
“If we’re going to ask folks that they cannot be lying down or sleeping on public property, then we need an alternative and somewhere for them to go.”
The ordinance will take effect 30 days after being certified by City Manager Shannon Lavrin.