MCKINNEY, Texas — The City of McKinney has officially passed two controversial ordinances aimed at addressing homelessness in public spaces. One ordinance makes it unlawful to sleep, lie, or sit on a public sidewalk, street, or median. The other prohibits camping in any publicly accessible space. The city stresses there are exceptions to both ordinances.

For William, who has spent the past year living outside near the public library, the changes are personal.

“We have all the resources very close to us,” he said, crocheting small pumpkins to make a bit of money. “A lot of these people lack community; they don’t have any family or friends. That’s why I am here.”

The city says the push came after concerns from business owners downtown, particularly around the square.

“Job one: keep our citizens safe. Job two: keep our businesses operating,” said Mayor Bill Cox.

Tuesday night’s city council meeting was packed. William biked there himself to hear the debate. Testimony was passionate—and divided.

“This merely punishes people for existing while poor,” one speaker said.

“We won’t have to save face by telling people they have to go away,” added another.

Supporters of the ordinances argued that the city is being realistic.

“Sometimes tough love comes into play here,” said one resident.

“This is just ridiculous in McKinney,” said another, frustrated by the status quo.

With the ordinances passed, McKinney police will now have the authority to issue warnings, citations, and take further action if needed. However, in the same meeting, city officials also committed to a year-long study of homelessness, working with consultants and community stakeholders. The Stronger Together initiative will help the city create a roadmap for addressing and solving homelessness issues. Mayor Cox stresses that “this is not just a McKinney issue, it’s nationwide.”

“How do we as a city…how do we provide? What do we do to help that challenge and that population in McKinney?” Cox said, referring to the new initiative.

William says he saw the vote coming. He wishes the city council and city staff would really sit down and talk with the homeless for solutions to the problems. He fears this will only force the homeless to ‘hide.’

“It’s going to disturb me for a moment while I figure out the next step.”