New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
In a small homeless encampment near the on-ramp from Route 18 to 195 west, Carlos Felix conducted an interview with a homeless man to shed light on the situation. The encampment, located in an open area of grass near Coggeshall Street, has been present for some time, with residents coming and going.
The homeless man explained that he and others ended up in this situation due to rising rents in the area. He mentioned that despite working in security, he couldn’t afford an apartment or even a rooming house. He also expressed frustration with the lack of support from agencies and the challenges of staying warm during cold weather.
When asked why they chose this location, the man explained that being out in the open felt safer than hiding, where they could be taken advantage of. He mentioned receiving some care packages from organizations, but these were only temporary solutions.
The man highlighted the difficulties of accessing shelters, where couples are required to separate, making it challenging for long-term partners or friends to stay together. He criticized the system for not effectively utilizing funds to help the homeless and called for more support and affordable housing solutions.
The interview revealed the harsh realities faced by the homeless in New Bedford, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and compassionate solutions to address homelessness in the area.
This is disgusting. I thought they said there were no homeless on the streets in New Bedford. Yet if these people were illegals they would be put up at the skipper. Disgusting.