Petoskey Council Unveils Homeless Support Programs After Camping Ban

On September 9, 2025, the Petoskey City Council held a special meeting to hear from local organizations working with the homeless population in Northern Michigan. This meeting came after the council had recently passed an ordinance prohibiting camping on city property, citing concerns about public safety, sanitation, and trash in public areas.

During the meeting, the council heard from representatives of The Nehemiah Project, Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, the Salvation Army, and North Country Community Mental Health. These groups discussed the various programs and services they offer to support the homeless, including emergency shelters, housing assistance, food pantries, and mental health resources.

The Nehemiah Project, a faith-based organization, spoke about their temporary emergency shelters and their efforts to help guests find permanent housing. The Northwest Community Action Agency focused on their "housing first" approach, which prioritizes providing stable and affordable housing without preconditions. The Salvation Army outlined their food, transportation, and shower assistance programs, as well as their efforts to help with rent and furnishings.

The council acknowledged that homelessness is a complex issue and that a single meeting would not solve the problem. However, they expressed a commitment to working with these organizations to identify solutions and support the homeless population in Petoskey.