MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Martinsburg City Council recently voted down a request to extend a permit for Sanctified Street Ministries to continue its program to feed the homeless in downtown Martinsburg.
It’s a complicated issue, according to Councilwoman Kimberly Nelson.
Nelson explained the town square is a “jewel” that attracts visitors to the city and is the first impression for those visiting Martinsburg.
She said there has been a problem when the feeding program draws those downtown who don’t respect the property of others.
Nelson said she has a heart to help.
“We have the Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission just a few blocks away,” Nelson said, adding the Mission has restrooms available to those who are homeless and feed the public three meals a day.
She believes faith organizations could partner with the mission to “feed homeless folks at a much larger scale.”
She said she wants visitors downtown to feel safe, as well.
The permit was on the city council agenda last Thursday and had it been approved would have meant the ministry would be at the square every Thursday through the end of the year.