On a day in January each year, workers and volunteers from various outreach groups in Summit County go out to encampments to count how many people are seeking shelter and connect them with resources.
Homeless outreach advocates recently met with city officials to clarify procedures for encampment clean-ups going forward after concerns were raised late last year.
At a recent encampment sweep, an Ideastream Public Media reporter witnessed workers take personal belongings - such as tents - to a disposal site. A consent decree instructs the city to store belongings for 30 days.
Akron officials say a proposed housing and retail development on an area of wetlands is needed to meet the city's housing demands, but residents are concerned it will harm the environment.
While city officials are excited about a potential new housing development on the west side, residents are concerned the project will harm the environment. The area contains wetlands and wildlife.