A homeless couple living out of a vehicle became the focus of multiple police calls after neighbors reported clothing, trash, and other belongings spilling into public areas on Grant Street.
Portsmouth police were first dispatched around 8:30 a.m. after residents reported people living out of a vehicle parked along the street.
When officers arrived, they found a homeless couple staying in the vehicle and observed clothing and personal belongings scattered around the area.
🚗 LIVING OUT OF A VEHICLE
According to the report, officers issued a warning under the city’s 48-hour junk vehicle ordinance and advised the couple that the vehicle would need to be moved.
Police also instructed them to clean up the items around the vehicle.
Recognizing that the pair appeared to be homeless, officers contacted the Quick Response Team (QRT) in hopes of connecting them with services and shelter.
Unfortunately, the report states that QRT was unable to locate housing or shelter space for two people.
👀 COMPLAINTS CONTINUE
Not long after the initial call, another complaint came in alleging that the same woman was throwing clothing around the area.
Then around 9:36 a.m., additional neighbors contacted police, reporting clothing in the roadway and on the sidewalk.
One caller advised that the items were blocking pedestrian access.
🧹 POLICE FIND CLEANUP UNDERWAY
When officers returned to the scene, they found the couple actively cleaning the area.
According to the report, the clothing and debris had been removed and the area was completely cleaned up by the time police arrived.
The couple reportedly told officers they were hoping to sell the vehicle and have it towed away.
Police advised that further enforcement action could be taken if additional violations occur.
⚖️ A PROBLEM WITH NO EASY ANSWERS
The calls highlight a growing challenge facing communities across Southern Ohio.
Neighbors often become frustrated when vehicles, camps, or belongings begin spilling into public spaces.
At the same time, many of the people involved have few options available.
In this case, police addressed the immediate complaints, the area was cleaned, and outreach workers attempted to help.
But when no shelter space is available, officers are often left managing symptoms of a larger problem rather than solving it.
For Grant Street residents, the complaints may be over for now.
For the homeless couple, the question remains the same: where do they go next?