By Pacific Island Times News Staff
A government team today tore down a homeless encampment in Harmon, while the Office of the Attorney General launched a "ticketing operation" against panhandlers.
The Office of Homelessness Assistance and Poverty Prevention, under the Office of the Governor, led a demolition team on Route 16, where homeless individuals had built makeshift shanties.
“We confirmed with the owners of the property that no one was authorized to be here. With our human services agencies, we are trying to connect these individuals with services and work towards getting them housed or reconnected back with family,” said Rob San Agustin, OHAPP director.
The demolition team includes the Department of Public Works, the Guam Police Department, various GovGuam agencies and nonprofit organizations.
The governor's office described the operation as "a coordinated cleanup and outreach event."
Krystal Paco-San Agustin, communications director, said a couple removed from the property obtained housing with the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority.
"Two are returning to family, and the others are being assessed for housing," she added. "There are also some who have said they’ve been allowed to stay. We're working on verifying this."
DPW crews cleaned the public easement, removing debris, trash, and hazardous materials from the site and making the area safer for residents and commuters.
“We recognize that each individual experiencing homelessness faces unique challenges, and we are dedicated to addressing those challenges while upholding the dignity and well-being of Guam’s most vulnerable community members," Rob San Agustin said.
According to the governor's office, outreach teams worked alongside to provide individuals with information on available services and programs aimed at addressing housing insecurity and poverty.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney General launched PanBuster Ticketing Operations to rid Guam streets of panhandlers.
“The AG PanBusters ticketed three panhandlers. The persons that did not have identification were taken to the precincts to obtain their identities in a safe environment,” said Austin Fortuno, a paralegal at the AG’s office.
“This is a ticketing offense. They now have a date with a judge. They will have to pay a fine,” he added.
The AG’s office also distributed “pan stickers” that motorists can “stick onto the lower-left windshield of their cars to repel any panhandlers.”
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