El Paso, TX (KFOX14/CBS4) — The Magoffin Historic District Neighborhood Association has raised alarms over safety concerns, attributing them to the presence of unhoused individuals and a nearby homeless shelter.
Frank Larios, president of the neighborhood association board, said, “Some of the neighbors, including myself, we now we own guns. We didn’t before, and now we do, and we think that hopefully we’re not going to be in a situation where we’re going to have to use him, but I mean, we have to protect ourselves somehow.”
Residents are urging city leaders to increase police presence and address issues related to squatters and drug use.
Larios pointed to the Opportunity Center as a “magnet” for the homeless due to the services it provides.
John Martin from the Opportunity Center noted a significant increase in the number of individuals they assist, from just under 1,500 in 2019 to nearly 3,500 annually.
Homeless individuals in the area expressed their struggles. Christina Cruz said, “Because instead of helping us, you’re just kicking us out, like, why don’t you find us somewhere to go?”
Michael Elias added, “For me, it’s more freedom out here. Nobody to tell you what to do it’s a safe haven for us to come here. Just chill. Do us and excuse my language. Get high.”
Local shelters maintain strict rules against drug use. Martin stated, “But the reality of it is, once you’re inside, one of the firm rules that we have in place is there’s no active drinking and or drug use within the facility.”
El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez emphasized the need for systemic solutions, saying, “You bring them into our criminal justice system, you recycle them out, they come back again. And so really it has to be, I think, a collective effort on what we’re doing to address some of these issues, such as homelessness.”
RELATED: El Paso residents urge action on squatter crisis in Magoffin Ave neighborhood
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