FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Pinedale Elementary School has been caught up in issues brought on by a rise in homelessness, such as drug use and loitering on and around school grounds. Kelly Avants with Clovis Unified says the school has morning safety sweeps before kids arrive and other safety measures. "We've increased lighting, we've changed some fencing over a couple of years to make sure that we create a secure environment for our kids," Avants said.  Avants also said due to the influx of homeless in the area the community is now taking action.  "We have unfortunately seen the last couple of years a greater volume, and I think that the community now understands that they also need to step into that and to help us help them help law enforcement help the situation," Avants said.  Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi said the main concern is kids becoming desensitized to illegal behavior. "What we are concerned about is what they have to see and experience going to and from school, finding hypodermic needles that are left on the ground - and we have found some, or seeing drug use out in the open. If you're driving that area of Blackstone, you'll probably see it, too. And that's something I didn't see six months ago," Karbassi said.  Karbassi said the city is working closely with the school district, law enforcement, and the community to ensure kids are protected.  "We're not punishing anybody for being homeless, but we are going to punish you if you're doing drugs in front of kids or you're dropping needles everywhere. We can't have that," Karbassi said.  Their plan is to have more police activity around the school. "We're working on a new contract with either Clovis Unified or Fresno PD to have law enforcement as a regular presence to the school," Karbassi said.  The city and district say they are committed to getting these individuals out of the area.  If parents and faculty see something suspicious, they are asked to call law enforcement immediately.