Binghamton Mayor Threatens Legal Action Against Christ Church Over Homeless Encampment

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham is facing backlash after allegedly threatening legal action against a local church for offering refuge to unhoused individuals. City officials and the mayor himself have cited the rule that having an encampment in the City of Binghamton is illegal.

Christ Episcopal Church has allowed unhoused individuals to sleep on its green space, a lawn adjacent to the parish, a practical act of hospitality toward people with nowhere else to sleep (Matthew 25:35).

According to Reverend Scott Parnell, the church faces threats of fines and legal action for providing refuge to homeless individuals, an act he says is motivated by their faith. Parnell also said the church owns the property and believes it should be able to allow people to stay there if it chooses.

For the last several days, those taking refuge on the property have been leaving the space on their own to prevent the church from facing any repercussions, according to the report.

Democratic mayoral candidate Miles Burnett criticized the mayor’s actions in a statement. He said, “I am angry and heartbroken by my opponent’s bullying of Christ Church. For years, Mayor Kraham has failed our neighbors as homelessness has grown worse and worse. Families and individuals are being pushed onto the streets because rents keep climbing and there aren’t enough shelter beds or affordable housing.” Burnett continued, “Housing does. As Mayor, I will fight to build the affordable homes our city desperately needs, and on day one I will bring service providers and community leaders together to create a real plan that actually gets people off the streets.”

Source: Read the original report