Pittsfield Health Officials Eye Camping Ordinance Alternative
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Board of Health plans to present recommendations around public camping in February.
On Tuesday, the City Council accepted a communication from health officials after sending the proposed camping ordinance to them. The board met in early October and began its work to bring forward public health-centered solutions that address core concerns the ordinance seeks to mitigate.
"The Board of Health will support the Health Department in developing an alternative enforcement and response approach that prioritizes both public health and human dignity," the BOH wrote to the council.
"The Board recognizes that the current camping ban ordinance remains an evolving document, and we will review it with the core belief that housing is a social determinant of health. Our goal is to explore all possible solutions that will have a positive impact on all stakeholders. In the coming months, we will continue to assess programs and solutions by conducting interviews, reviewing operational metrics, and evaluating outcomes. The Board plans to submit a report with recommendations by February 2026, including a proposed timeline for implementation."
Director of Public Health Andy Cambi reported that they are also reviewing other municipalities that have enacted a ban on public camping to see if it was successful and what concerns they ran into.
The ordinance has sparked hours of public comment since it was proposed months ago, and has been amended to remove criminalization language, change the fine structure, and add exceptions for people sleeping in cars or escaping danger.
Members of the Homes not Handcuffs Coalition thanked the city officials for listening to their concerns and viewing the issue from a public health perspective.
Ephraim Alexander Schwartz asked, "Who do we fight when the odds seem insurmountable?" explaining that at first, Pittsfield turned on each other, blaming the unhoused for the city's crime and business owners for all of its cruelty, but then they were able to talk and find common ground.
"The camping ban ordinance began by criminalizing our most vulnerable. It was recently sent to the Board of Health, and that is where it belongs," Schwartz said.
"They have begun plans and research for real solutions that address the causes rather than the symptoms. They have been communicative, easy to reach, and they ask a modest deadline of February to implement real solutions before making further rash decisions on ordinances."
Michael Hitchcock said he was genuinely appreciative of the council for sending the ordinance to the BOH and taking it away from the "blunt instrument of the law and into the fine scalpel of public health."
"I think you'll notice the temperature here is turned down. I didn't bring 50 of my closest friends. It's just a few of us to say thank you. With leadership, I know that you're dealing with a bunch of people who may not understand the issues and may want a fast knee-jerk reaction that's heavy on the law, because that's what people understand. A police response is fast, and you can stop thinking about a difficult issue. A public health response is slow, but it solves it permanently, so for the fourth time, I'm saying thank you for putting this issue where it belongs," he said, reporting that Cambi has been incredibly easy to work with and receptive to feedback.
"… We want to make something that's permanently useful, not something that satisfies the angriest, loudest people in the shortest time period possible, and I also appreciate this as an election year, so for some of you, this was even more difficult to have leadership on."
Walter Powell, a candidate for Ward 6 city councilor, expressed deep concern about the city's level of preparedness for an imminent food and security crisis that could occur if federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are interrupted or reduced.
"Our families, seniors, veterans, and residents with disabilities or special needs depend on these benefits for their basic nutrition and stability. A disruption, whether temporary or prolonged, will leave many without means to meet essential daily food needs," he said.
"At this time, there's no public indication of a city-level contingency plan or emergency relief fund for the affected residents."
He requested that the city schedule an emergency meeting to discuss this request, that the matter be referred to the Human Services Advisory Council, and the establishment of a temporary emergency food fund to provide grocery or food voucher support for Pittsfield residents whose SNAP benefits are delayed, interrupted, or reduced.
"SNAP interruptions will have immediate consequences for Pittsfield households who already struggle with the high cost of food. Local food pantries are already operating near capacity and may not be able to sustain additional demand without municipal coordination or emergency funds," Powell said.
"Seniors, veterans, and residents with special needs face the highest risk, often lacking transportation or the ability to reach available aid. Timely local action can prevent hunger, health crises, and homelessness linked to food insecurity. This is a call for leadership."
Patrick Doyle, of the Homes not Handcuffs Coalition, said there will be waves of evictions coming in the next few months when people decide whether to pay rent or buy food and have no heating assistance.
"It's just a perfect storm, and Pittsfield is not prepared for it. Instead of preparing anything like a new shelter, we've spent the last five months with a stupid ordinance," he said.
Tags: board of health, camping, homeless,
