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 talked with KCII about how there could be a potential follow-up meeting to discuss homelessness in Washington due to high demand. “We’ve talked about offering the opportunity for an evening meeting to allow people who may not be connected with the downtown situation to discuss the situation as well. Our groups will get back together, and we’ll plan something out for a second meeting.”

A date, time, and location for a second meeting have not been announced.