Statement from Milwaukee County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez on Fire Near Mitchell Park Domes
MILWAUKEE – In response to the recent fire near the Mitchell Park Domes, Milwaukee County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez has issued the following statement:
“This past weekend’s fire at a homeless encampment near the Mitchell Park Domes, which resulted in two individuals being hospitalized, is a stark reminder of the critical need for increased resources and direct outreach for our unhoused population.
“Situations like these indicate that we’re paying for our homelessness crisis in one of two ways. Either we treat people with dignity and respect on the front end, providing them with programs to assist with their basic needs, or we have incidents like these, where our parks, hospitals, and public workers are burdened on the back end. Furthermore, when money is spent on the back end, the individuals in crisis who are responsible for these costs are no better off than they were in the first place.
“If incidents like these don’t underscore the importance of investing in our most vulnerable populations, I don’t know what does. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the underlying issue is clear: Unhoused people should not be reduced to setting fires near their encampments for warmth. We need comprehensive solutions that will provide proper access to warm places for the unhoused, as well as medical and mental health services.
“This is an issue that, as a community, we speak of until we are blue in the face, but the need for action is urgent. I will immediately work with Parks to make sure we aren’t cutting down trees or sacrificing plant life as a response to the situation. Our natural resources make the parks beautiful and are integral to their survival.
“I urge my colleagues, community leaders, and residents of Milwaukee County to join me in advocating for the necessary resources and support to address this crisis effectively. Together, we can make a difference and create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This is not just a matter of public safety it is a matter of basic human dignity.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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