BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – A Baton Rouge business says an ongoing issue outside its doors has forced them to spend thousands of dollars to fix a problem they never expected, while also shining a light on the city’s broader challenges with homelessness.
Owners of Roul’s Deli on Plank Road say for the past six months, homeless individuals have been defecating outside the restaurant overnight.
“I don’t want to be too explicit, but they’re using the bathroom here out in the open, and we have to walk in and see that,” said co-owner Hesham Saymeh.
Saymeh believes the restaurant’s covered patio has made it an attractive place for people to gather after hours.
In an effort to stop the issue, he said the business spent about $7,000 to install fencing to keep people out when the restaurant is closed.
Saymeh said the decision came after trying to work with those gathering on the property.
He said he even offered to allow people to stay overnight if the issue stopped, but said that did not resolve the problem.
“It got to a point where I told them if they’re going to do it and there’s not a restroom nearby, then do it by the dumpster or somewhere else, but not where customers are walking,” he said.
While Saymeh said the issue appears to be under control for now, it also raises broader concerns about homelessness in Baton Rouge.
Metro Council member Darryl Hurst, who represents the area, said the situation underscores the need to connect people experiencing homelessness with resources.
“It’s our duty as elected officials to ensure that we close the gaps in our communities,” Hurst said.
Hurst said similar issues have occurred at his community center and that part of the problem may be tied to untreated medical conditions.
To address those needs, he said Baton Rouge General provides weekly medical services through a mobile unit in the area.
“It gives people access to resources and tools that aren’t readily available to them because they’re unhoused and underserved,” Hurst said. “We provide those resources, but we also work on workforce development, housing and medical care.”
Hurst said addressing homelessness requires ongoing effort and community involvement.
“The people you see are someone’s loved one,” he said. “We’ll continue to fight until we get where we need to be.”
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