News Summary
Georgetown has introduced new city ordinances targeting homelessness, raising concerns among local nonprofits and the homeless community. The ordinances, which include prohibitions on sitting or lying down in public spaces and restrictions on food distribution in certain areas, aim to enhance public safety but may worsen food insecurity for those in need. Nonprofit leaders fear these changes will exacerbate challenges for the vulnerable population, prompting calls for community support to meet their needs. Further discussions on these ordinances are expected at an upcoming city council meeting.
Georgetown has initiated new city ordinances aimed at addressing homelessness, which have raised concerns among local nonprofit organizations and the homeless community. Following the approval of these ordinances, nonprofits such as Helping Hands of Georgetown must now seek alternative locations for their food distribution efforts, impacting individuals experiencing homelessness and low-income families who rely on these services.
The new ordinances, approved by the Georgetown City Council, include provisions that prohibit individuals from sitting or lying down on public property, restrict aggressive panhandling, and ban food distribution in parking lots. These changes have ignited a debate regarding their potential effect on the homeless population, which could lead to increased hunger and overall instability among vulnerable groups. Local nonprofit leaders and advocates are concerned that limiting food distribution will further disadvantage those already struggling.
Tammey Stokley, executive director of the Downtown Georgetown Association, cited public safety and the obstruction of sidewalks and parking spaces as motivators for these ordinances. However, local nonprofits argue that such measures may exacerbate the challenges faced by the homeless community, potentially resulting in an uptick in panhandling as individuals find themselves without adequate food resources.
Kathy Bond, founder of Kat Kares, expressed concern over the impact of these changes, voicing the fear that without access to food distribution services, more individuals may suffer from hunger. Bond is hoping local churches will step in to provide spaces for continued meal distribution to help meet the needs of the homeless population.
The greater goal behind these new ordinances, according to Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida, is to assist unhoused individuals in moving toward stability, rather than merely addressing immediate needs. Chief Tchida emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach with local organizations to ensure that services remain accessible to those in need.
A second reading of the ordinances is set for the upcoming city council meeting on June 24, after which further discussions around their implementation and impact will continue.
In addition to the ordinances, the situation in Georgetown is further complicated as new property developments encounter challenges posed by the local homeless community. Jon Davis, a new property owner on Douglas Street, has plans to build mixed-use buildings with affordable rent but is currently facing obstacles due to a homeless encampment on his property. Davis is working to clear the land with the support of the Georgetown Police Department, aiming to remove remaining individuals living on the property.
Historically, the tent city in Georgetown has housed a significant number of persons experiencing homelessness, with reports indicating a peak of as many as 100 individuals. Recent efforts have seen these numbers decline, notably due to the establishment of a pallet village in 2023, which currently provides shelter for 37 individuals and includes supportive services. However, the ongoing need for additional funding remains critical for such initiatives to thrive.
According to the most recent “Point in Time” count conducted by Housing Alliance Delaware, there are currently 1,358 individuals experiencing homelessness in the region—only surpassed by unusual counts reported in 2021 and 2022 that were influenced by federal relief funds. Sussex County has seen a disproportionately high rate of unsheltered homelessness in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for support and resources. Jim Martin, who supports the homeless at The Shepherd’s House, has observed an increase in the visibility of homeless individuals following the closure of the ACE Center, a facility that provided essential services to the community.
The ACE Center has faced funding shortfalls this year, which many believe have contributed to the rising levels of homelessness in the area. As Georgetown moves forward with its new ordinances, local nonprofits, community members, and leaders will continue to navigate the challenges posed to the homeless population, seeking solutions that will address both safety and support for those in need.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Williamson County Animal Shelters to Merge
Georgetown City Council Approves Ordinances Addressing Homelessness
Austin City Council Approves Controversial Rezoning of Acacia Cliffs
Georgetown’s Struggle with Homelessness Amid Development Plans
Georgetown Launches New Initiative to Reunite Lost Pets
Georgetown University Implements Hiring Freeze Amid Budget Cuts
Texas Ranks 21st for Military Retirees in WalletHub Assessment
Round Rock Named 10th Best Place to Live in the U.S.
Austin Plans to Dismantle Bike Lanes Amid Resident Concerns
Georgetown City Council Approves Bonds to Enhance Local Community
Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- NBC Washington
- Google Search: Georgetown homeless ordinances
- Delaware Online
- Google Scholar: Homelessness policy Georgetown
- Bay To Bay News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown homelessness
- The Georgetowner
- Google News: Georgetown homelessness
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
About the HERE Georgetown Staff Writers The HERE Georgetown Staff Writers are a dedicated team of local journalists and contributors focused on delivering accurate, timely news to the Georgetown, SC community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network—which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com—we cover everything from waterfront development and small business news to dining and local culture. Local Expertise Our team includes lifelong Georgetown residents and South Carolina natives with deep knowledge of the region’s history, economy, and coastal identity. We’ve reported on topics like Front Street revitalization, maritime heritage, and local education initiatives. Trusted Journalism With decades of combined experience, we prioritize fact-based reporting, drawing from city records, chamber data, and community voices. Every article is a team effort, researched and verified to meet high editorial standards.
