Worcester City Council’s Post

🏞️ Baxter, Brainerd, and Beyond: MN Cities BAN Homeless Encampments Baxter’s new ordinance prohibits homeless camps on public property, will other cities follow and take this decisive action to protect public safety? Read the full breakdown ⬇️ https://bit.ly/4fEhCfi #HomelessnessSolutions #MinnesotaPolicy #PublicSafety

It’s been a busy day. It is heartbreaking to see so much tree damage. Although many trees are complete losses, I cannot understate the importance of exercising patience when feasible and having your tree evaluated by a qualified arborist. When the only tool in the toolbox is tree removal then many viable trees are removed prematurely. With skill and expertise, some trees can be retained for many years to come. A good places to start your search for qualified arborists are International Society of Arboriculture and Tree Care Industry Association. In addition, ask for references, ask for certificates of insurance and call to verify coverage, have a signed agreement for the scope of work, and don’t pay for the work before it is done.

We are proud to serve alongside our partners in Santa Fe, NM, by providing cots and blankets as they experience dangerously cold weather. https://lnkd.in/g_eaZsaB During these freezing temperatures, safety is key! ❄️ Here are some important tips to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community: 1. Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, or bedding to prevent fires. 2. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets. Make sure they have a warm, safe place indoors. 🐾 3. Check on your neighbors, especially older adults or those who may need extra assistance. Ensure they have a warm place to stay and are safe.

Random Thought For those experiencing homelessness, survival often depends on access to the basics—food, clothing, hygiene items, and shelter. But the reality is, while services and shelters exist, navigating the systems to receive these services can be a long, discouraging process, especially for younger individuals. The path to stable housing or shelter often requires waiting lists, eligibility screenings, and complex applications. For someone living on the streets, these hurdles can feel overwhelming and, at times, almost impossible to overcome. Providing food, warm clothing, hygiene kits, and camping gear offers dignity, comfort, and a sense of stability in the short term while they work toward longer-term solutions. Maybe meeting these needs isn’t just about survival but about offering people the foundation to keep going. #HomelessnessAwareness #BasicNeeds #SupportOurCommunity

Just Safety means addressing the needs of a whole person – not just one issue in isolation. Communities have always known how to create safety for themselves – taking a meal to a grieving neighbor, doing yard work for the elderly woman next door, hosting block parties and carne asadas that bring everyone together. But these efforts are completely overlooked (and underfunded) in our current concept of safety. #JustCommunitiesArizona #JustSafety #SafetyNotPunishment

🐾 Exciting News! 🐾 For many experiencing homelessness, their pets are a crucial source of companionship and comfort. However, accessing veterinary care and pet-friendly accommodations can be extremely challenging while living on the streets. That's why StreetLink , StreetVet & Street Paws are joining forces to ensure the wellbeing of both homeless individuals living on the streets and their animal companions. Together, we can ensure that no person or pet is left behind on the path out of homelessness and towards stability. For more information on how to get involved or to learn about reporting rough sleeping effectively, please visit thestreetlink.org.uk . #HomelessPets #PetRescue

🚨 Addressing Hamilton’s Homelessness: A Community Concern 🚨 As of July 2024, the visibility of tent cities in Hamilton, especially around scenic areas like Bayfront Park, is sparking a significant conversation. We all value compassion, but it is crucial to address how these encampments affect everyone’s use of public spaces. What You Should Know: Scenic Views vs. Shelter: Should prime locations like Bayfront Park become long-term encampment sites? Safety Concerns: Is it acceptable for safety issues to deter individuals, particularly women, from feeling secure on the Hamilton waterfront trail at night? Health and Safety: How can we tackle the presence of garbage and needles in areas where our families gather? We Need Your Voice: The city is revisiting how to manage these challenges, and your input is critical. A balance must be struck to maintain our community's safety and cleanliness while supporting those in need. Let’s Discuss: What are your thoughts on finding sustainable solutions for our city’s homelessness issue? - - - #HamiltonRealEstate #CommunitySafety #JoeCallariTeam #UrbanLiving https://zurl.co/KkuX

Looking to make a difference in your neighborhood? It's easier than you think! By supporting local businesses, lending a hand through volunteer work, and sharing your unique skills, you're helping to create a community that's welcoming, vibrant, and connected. 🌎✨ 💼 Shop Small & Local Buying from neighborhood stores or dining at local restaurants keeps money in the community and supports families who are working hard to make the area thrive. 💪 Volunteer Your Time Whether it's at a food bank, animal shelter, or a local event, giving a few hours makes a big difference and introduces you to incredible neighbors along the way. 💡 Share What You Know From teaching a skill to offering advice, sharing your knowledge builds bonds and helps others grow—plus, it's a great way to meet new people! Imagine a community where everyone pitches in and supports one another. Ready to play a part in creating that kind of neighborhood? Let's chat about even more ways to get involved! 🏡💖 #CommunityFirst #SupportLocal #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #StrongerTogether #VolunteerLocally #NeighborhoodPride #MakeADifference

When temperatures drop, people sleeping rough are literally fighting for survival. Local authorities should activate SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) when temperatures plunge below freezing. This will see them providing temporary emergency accommodation. The protocol is important as it helps those who are sleeping rough who are not normally eligible for statutory services. What steps can you take to help people sleeping rough? 1. If you see someone sleeping rough in extreme weather, and you are concerned for their wellbeing, you can refer them to Streetlink. This is a government service which ensures that local services connect with that person in a timely manner. Head to the Streetlink website and enter the person's details including their location. 2. Offer the person warm clothes, a sleeping bag, gloves, socks, a hat, hand warmers etc. A warm drink or coffee shop vouchers. Chat with them and let them know that someone cares. 3. Connect with a local homeless shelter and find out what they need. That might be warm socks, toiletries or non-perishable food. It's tough out there, but we can all do our bit to help. #Homelessness #HomelessCharity #SleepingRough #SWEP #StreetLink #HomelessnessSupport