Columbia residents concerned that homeless individuals are using business lots for shelter in Columbia
COLUMBIA, MO (KMIZ)
Some community members have raised concerns about homeless people using businesses lots in Columbia. Along Business Loop 70, people who appear to be homeless can be seen walking on the street or hanging out in lots.
The U.S Department of housing says in 2021 over 6,500 hundred people were living in emergency shelters or transitional homes in Missouri.
Community residents have went to social media to express their concern for a homeless problem in the area.
ABC 17 News asked some owners Saturday what their experiences have been like.
Eugene Gauger, owner of Under The Gun Tattoo Shop on Business Loop, says he's been on the loop for a year now and said homelessness has been a problem for him while running his business.
He said he has had to make some minor changes to combat the problem like removing his outside benches and cigarette butt cans and upgraded the security cameras on his property.
Gauger said he tried being friendly and has even offered money to some panhandlers to do work around his shop but was turned down.
"It just feels like that, to be able to put your hand out and accept the money willing is one thing but to work for it takes time out of your day and if you can get something for nothing then why would you want to work for it," Gauger said.
Gauger said he chose the Business Loop for its reputation and the business opportunities it offers.
"I did not understand the extent of the homeless population and once we started dealing with the homeless population, it really made me rethink my decision but you know I'm already so far invested now, I just hope they do something to get it cleaned up," Gauger said.
Gauger said he doesn't see these issues in other parts of Columbia. He added that he didn't have an issue with homeless people occasionally coming onto the property until some started making inappropriate comments to his female staff.
Heather Yu-King is the owner of Como Grow Supply and has been at her Business Loop store front for three years. She says her experience with homeless people in the area have been positive.
She said despite one issue, the homeless population has been her protection and often escort her staff to their vehicles.
Plus, they've helped keep the area safe. "They warn me like hey, there's somebody, I don't know him, I never seen him before but he's been walking around your store. You might want to keep an eye out, I don't know if you want to call the cops," Yu-King said.
Yu-King says she feels that more programs should be offered to help homeless individuals get back on their feet.
As of now, there are several groups in Columbia that are willing to help the homeless population including Love Columbia, The Voluntary Action Center and the Central Missouri Community Action Center.
