The Washington Public Library hosted a downtown forum with Main Street Washington and the Washington Police Department on August 22nd to discuss downtown safety and homelessness in Washington. Several groups that assist the homeless population attended the meeting, including the Lighthouse Center, which provides its users with emergency housing, a food pantry, clothing, and transportation.

Washington Police Chief Jim Lester, at the September 20th City Council meeting, confirmed that there would be a second meeting that the public can attend. The community forum on homelessness will be on Monday, October 3rd, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the United Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.