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As in most beach towns dependent on tourism, Galveston police have a “live and let live” reputation when dealing with disturbances of public order. Strict enforcement of the laws against public intoxication and disorderly conduct at Mardi Gras or the Lone Star Rally would be a disaster - jail space would run out in the first couple of hours and next year’s events would be held in some other city.

 But the understandable “don’t mess with the tourists” attitude of city officials has resulted in collateral damage to persons experiencing homelessness in Galveston. There is not nearly enough shelter space here, and the unsheltered have to sleep somewhere.

Historically, many slept in places out of sight, including parts of the beach that are not visible from the seawall. But lately, an increasing number have migrated to the seawall sidewalk to sleep, despite the disadvantages of sleeping on concrete and the increased vulnerability to police action. Most tourists are uncomfortable even seeing unsheltered people, much less having to step around them. “Don’t mess with tourists” includes keeping unsheltered people out of sight.

 The See/Judge/Act small group is looking into the causes for this sudden increase in sleeping on the sidewalk, the downsides of the current crackdown, and how Central can help. Our next meeting is July 2nd at 9:30 am, upstairs in the clinic area of Central.  Join us!