Three months later, nothing has changed. Troubled homeless woman Alisha McGraw is still roaming the streets of Portsmouth. Her story a painful example of how the system keeps failing those caught in the cycle of homelessness and mental illness.
The Latest Arrest
On September 20th, McGraw walked into the lobby of the Scioto County Jail around 7 p.m. and refused to leave. Deputies soon learned she had an open warrant for criminal trespass through Portsmouth Municipal Court.
- She was taken into custody but not held long-term.
- The warrant tied back to her repeated trespassing at hospitals and government buildings, where she sought shelter after saying she had no way home to Kentucky.
- Though she was finally charged, she was released back onto the streets with an August court date.
When she didn’t show up in court, another warrant was issued. Deputies say this time she’ll remain in custody at least until her October 2nd hearing.
What Happened Two Months Ago
This arrest is just the latest chapter in a saga that’s been unfolding for months. Back in July, McGraw’s desperate search for shelter led to a 24-hour spiral across Portsmouth:
4 a.m. – She appeared at the Police Department, asking for help after being discharged from the hospital.
Morning – Found at Hillview Retirement Center, refusing to leave, before being escorted back to the shelter.
Afternoon – Turned up at SOMC Hospital, saying people were threatening her, though staff confirmed she’d already been banned from the property.
Evening – Showed up at the Malt Shop, then returned to SOMC at 12:30 a.m., where officers finally arrested her for criminal trespass.
Even then, she was only held briefly before being released.
The Bigger Crisis
McGraw’s story is bigger than just one woman’s struggles, it’s a snapshot of Portsmouth’s homeless and mental health crisis:
🚫 No beds: Scioto County has no inpatient psychiatric beds.
🚷 Banned from shelters & hospitals: Even when she seeks help, she’s turned away.
🔁 Catch & release: Arrests lead to court dates, warrants, and more time on the streets.
🏚️ No safe place: With family in Ashland and no transportation, she’s stuck drifting between jail, sidewalks, and temporary stops.
👉 Bottom line: Three months later, Alisha McGraw is still wandering Portsmouth, still caught in the loop of trespass arrests, and still without the help she desperately needs. Until the city addresses the root issues of housing and mental health care, stories like hers will keep playing out, over and over again.