Lewis County Commissioner Sean Swope does not plan to move forward with an idea he suggested weeks ago that could have restricted “humanitarian services.”
During the Aug. 22 commissioners’ business meeting, Swope said he hoped to bring the project in a few weeks after he received additional feedback.
“If you’re going to be an organization that offers a food box, you’re going to be required, hopefully by this policy, to offer other services,” Swope said on Aug. 22. “If I give you a carrot, I need to give you access to the full garden.”
He raised the possibility during a meeting where commissioners adopted new restrictions on RV parking on County land. At the time, he provided The Chronicle with a summary of what the policy would entail.
“It emphasizes a comprehensive and holistic approach to assisting the homeless and those in distress, ensuring they receive not just immediate aid but a full range of services for their overall wellbeing,” the summary reads. “This includes facility standards, service delivery aligned with housing codes, and a robust verification system for beneficiaries.”
This week, Swope said he is unlikely to move forward on the proposal. The decision came after discussions with local church and organizational leaders. He said his focus is on “a way for all of us to work together” without duplicating services or overlapping territorially.
Swope said his focus is on “working together” and “collaboratively” and that he is unlikely to bring forward a restriction or regulation on humanitarian services.
