Residents of Bay View have raised concerns over the increasing presence of homeless tents near Lewis Field Playground. In recent weeks, tents have appeared near Interstate 794, some equipped with personal items like a grill and a Packers football pennant. While some community members are sympathetic to the homeless, others are worried about the safety of children in the area.

One resident shared a photo of the tents on social media, expressing concerns for children’s safety at the playground. The post quickly gained traction, receiving over 400 comments from locals. Some have voiced fears over potential safety risks, while others have highlighted the need for compassion and resources to support the homeless population, as reported by WISN.

Homelessness has risen in the Milwaukee area over the past year. Recently, an encampment near 13th Street and Juneau Avenue received a 30-day vacate notice from the property owner, Guest House of Milwaukee. According to the shelter’s CEO, Stephen Bauer, the decision was made due to increased violence, drug use, and an overdose incident at the site. 

Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, who represents the Bay View area, is aware of the concerns. Milwaukee County Housing Services is currently working with those in the tents to ensure they can access housing, aiming to address the issue before the colder months arrive. Critics, however, point out that this fails to solve any underlying issues that have caused the rise in homelessness in Milwaukee. 

As the debate continues, the presence of tents near public spaces like playgrounds has heightened discussions about balancing public safety with addressing homelessness.