MCKINNEY, Texas — In downtown McKinney, a growing homeless presence is sparking a citywide conversation about safety, compassion, and regulation.

Nick Rutsis has lived on the streets of McKinney for six months while awaiting disability support.

“I'm just waiting...” he says, hopeful for a more stable and permanent future. “Not all of us are junkies, not all of us are crazy. Some of us are in bad situations and we're just trying to get through the best way we can.”

The recent closure of the nearby library, once a safe, air-conditioned refuge, has pushed many unhoused residents into the town square. Some business owners say that it has affected their business.

“You're out of the heat and out of sight,” said Rutsis, reflecting on how the shutdown forced people into more visible public spa

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