In just one morning, Portsmouth police responded to three separate incidents involving homeless individuals, underscoring the city’s ongoing homelessness crisis—a challenge city leaders hope to address head-on at the City Council meeting on Monday, April 14, when a vote will be held on forming a Homelessness Task Force.
A Misunderstanding Over Missing Clothes
At 8:30 a.m., a woman called police claiming a man had stolen her clothes and shoes the day before. But when officers arrived, the situation turned out to be more of a communication issue than a crime. The woman had been dropped off at a local homeless shelter and left her belongings behind in the man’s car. Police spoke with the man’s mother, who assured them they’d deliver the items to the woman—now staying at a friend’s house.
Camping Near Kroger
Just over an hour later, employees near the Kroger Pharmacy on Gay Street called to report a woman who had camped in front of the store overnight with a large number of personal belongings. They said she had been asking customers for a ride out of town. By the time officers arrived, the woman was gone—but her belongings were still piled next to the building.
ID Trouble at the Food Pantry
Before noon, officers were called to a local food pantry about a woman trying to use a stolen ID. The investigation revealed the ID had accidentally been taken from the homeless shelter, and the woman claimed an employee must have given it to her by mistake. Police retrieved the ID and returned it to the rightful owner.
Bigger Picture: Council to Vote on Homeless Task Force
These three back-to-back incidents serve as real-time evidence of a growing issue—one that is affecting residents, businesses, and unhoused individuals alike.
On Monday, April 14, Portsmouth City Council will consider a resolution to form a Homelessness Task Force. The proposed group would include local experts, service providers, and community leaders working together to create a strategic, multidisciplinary plan to address the crisis with compassion, coordination, and accountability.
The hope is that instead of police being the first responders to complex social issues like homelessness, the city will one day have a comprehensive strategy that prevents problems, connects people with resources, and promotes public safety for everyone.