WESTLAND, Mich. – A small homeless encampment tucked in the woods behind a Kroger store in Westland is drawing attention from neighbors and raising questions about what’s being done to help those living there.
The camp, located near Michigan Avenue and Merriman Road, is hidden from plain sight but accessible through several trails.
Tents, miscellaneous clothing, and piles of garbage were found at the site.
“You know I was once homeless before, so I understand the struggle. I understand what they’re going through, and it’s still people out here that need help,” said Keith Dallas, who shops in the area.
Dallas didn’t hold back when asked whether the city is doing enough.
“The city is not doing enough. I can actually vouch for that. The city is not doing enough,” he said.
Westland resident Hollie Taylor echoed that sentiment.
“I definitely don’t think there’s enough help for people, and that’s just what’s crazy. It doesn’t make sense,” Taylor said.
Mayor acknowledges encampment, points to county ownership
Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman said the encampment near Michigan and Merriman is not new.
“Oh, we’re very aware of it,” Coleman said.
He also noted that while the encampment sits within Westland’s borders, the land is owned by Wayne County.
“Because it’s government property, people can kind of go on there, and unless they’re asked to leave, they stay,” Coleman said. “Certainly some people are struggling and want to find housing. But also for some people, it’s a choice to kind of live outdoors.”
Coleman said he is actively pursuing state and federal funding to address homelessness in the community.
In the meantime, he is directing residents in need to the Wayne County Family Center and First Step Wayne.
“We want to make sure that we’re taking care of people in our community,” he said.
Westland police detail outreach efforts
Despite the land falling under Wayne County Parks jurisdiction, the Westland Police Department said it has stepped in repeatedly to address the situation.
According to Deputy Chief Robert Wilkie, Community Police Officers and a department Behavioral Health Clinician and Substance Use Disorder Specialist have visited the area and spoken with people living there.
Those who identified mental health or substance use challenges were offered services — but most declined. Rides to homeless shelters were also offered, with most declining those as well.
The department’s outreach hasn’t stopped there. During winter months, officers and clinicians have handed out coats that convert into sleeping bags, along with care packages containing winter clothing, socks and snacks.
In a statement, Wilkie said Wayne County Parks was recently on-site addressing the situation and that the department would continue working with other agencies toward a resolution.
“The Westland Police Department recognizes the public has concerns involving this situation, and will continue its proactive work to offer both assistance and services to the homeless while also working toward resolving this situation with the other agencies involved,” Wilkie said.
Wayne County Parks pledges holistic approach
Wayne County is also taking steps to address the encampment. Communications Director Matt Allen said Wayne County Parks has addressed the encampment twice since the end of July and planned another assessment visit.
“The Wayne County Parks Department has addressed the homeless encampment issue twice since the end of July. We are going out tomorrow to assess the issue again. Our approach is to treat all persons with dignity as we seek a holistic approach to solving this problem going forward,” Allen said.
Residents push for creative solutions
Some residents say the answer may already be hiding in plain sight.
“There’s so many empty buildings everywhere. Like why are we not using those to house people that need housing. Like that’s crazy,” Taylor said.
