OCEANA, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – During an Oceana town hall meeting on Thursday, April 8, numerous business owners and members of the community expressed their concerns regarding the town’s growing number of homeless people and drug users.
Wyoming County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Cochrane attended Thursday’s meeting and believes it was extremely beneficial for both the county and the people of Oceana.
“The citizens wanted to voice their concerns to the town and, as a prosecutor, I wanted to come down and give suggestions. Maybe it can help us all work together on this and maybe find a solution.”
According to Cochrane, several individuals were upset after finding homeless individuals hanging around or sleeping on their property, both residential and commercial. Those who voiced their concerns believe the town’s drug-related crime and homelessness rates have gone up due to the two suboxone clinics located within the town.
“When they mentioned that, I told them there was nothing that I can do about that clinics, but I did tell them what you can do if you see an individual crime or feel threatened,” Cochrane said. “Simply call 9-1-1. The deputies in Oceana will respond. Just call us.”
While Cochrane is working to make the people of Oceana feel safe, he reminded that the drug epidemic is one that has plagued all of West Virginia, especially the southern part of the state.
“We have had an influx since we got rid of the pills. There had been an influx of heroin and fentanyl. It’s coming in, but we don’t know if these homeless people are part of that,” he said. “We appreciate everyone voicing their concerns…We know that the town wants things to run smooth for everyone. If something is going on that looks suspicious, or something that you know is indeed a crime, call 9-1-1 instead of trying to handle it yourself.”
No other solutions to mitigate Oceana’s homeless population were mentioned during the meeting. According to Cochrane, Oceana does not have a homeless shelter or offer any kind of temporary housing. The possibility of supplying said housing or other resources for homeless individuals was not mentioned at the time of the meeting.