GREENFIELD — The number of homeless people on the Greenfield Town Common continues to grow, with as many as 20 people — including a family — camping on the city property.
The Common has become a site in the center of Greenfield, where residents are continuing to find their spot on the city property. But while the numbers grow, Madelynn “Mama Bear” Malloy said not all who are going to the common have been welcome.
“I’m frustrated with the people who don’t need to be here taking advantage of the situation we are in,” Malloy said.
Malloy has become the de facto spokeswoman for the group on the Common, which she said originally started with just two people.
Over the past month, though, the numbers have continued to climb, now reaching as many as 20 a night on the Common, she said. And with the increased numbers, the complaints have also risen, Police Chief Robert Haigh said.
Complaints have included concerns about sanitation and safety, Haigh said.
“I heard today that a family just set up a tent with young children. I worry about that,” Haigh said. “I don’t want children in the center of town all night.”
Malloy said the original people on the Common followed a “code of ethics,” which included cleaning up after themselves and emptying city trash.
But some of the “outsiders” that have now moved onto the Common have not been as respectful as the original inhabitants, Malloy said. This has included leaving trash on parts of the common, as well as drug use.
“Don’t bring your dope here,” she said.
Malloy said those on the Common are already dealing with negative perceptions from some people and the actions of those not following their code of ethics further stigmatizes them.
But in spite of the negative reactions from some, Malloy said there has been a lot of outreach to the homeless residents.
She said residents have provided many items to those on the Common, including tents, food, water and clothing. She said they have also received so much dog food for her service dog, Stella, that they do not need anymore.
But she said other supplies like storage bins and tarps to try and keep the location orderly are short supply.
“We’re trying extra hard to not be an eyesore,” she said.
Haigh said he understands the frustrations of both those on the Common and residents who are complaining and feels no one should be camping on the Common but said animosity will not help solve the issue.
“Folks will say, you’re police — get them out of there. Them is us, it’s everybody,” he said. “We’re here for everybody, we’re here for the community. It’s not a ‘them’ against ‘us.’”
Haigh said police will continue to monitor the situation while also taking part in trying to find a solution for the problem.
Mayor William Martin has scheduled a roundtable meeting with service agencies, police and others later this week to continue to work on a solution.