Communication happening between Topeka city government, homeless community

Positive communication is taking place between Topeka’s city government and the local homeless community, people from both agreed at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

“We’re learning from them and they’re learning from us, and that’s what it’s all about,” said Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz.

Five members of the public — including three homeless people and one former homeless man — spoke at Tuesday’s meeting, where no action was taken on a proposal put forth last May that would ban camping on public property.

Local homeless residents have expressed concerns about that measure. It now goes back to the council’s public health and safety committee, where Ortiz is chairwoman. Ortiz said Tuesday she felt pleased that homeless people — and others who want to help the homeless — were getting involved. Still, she said she wanted the committee to take its time in deciding what to bring before the council.

“We’re still trying to figure out what will work for us,” she said. “This isn’t going to be a quick turnaround.”