April 20, 2022
Hi All,
Mark Bumgarner, Executive Director with Catawba County United Way here. I wanted to update you on what we are learning and doing regarding the homeless camp situation.
First, your response has been overwhelming, and gracious. We have supplies coming in and donations to allow us to meet the need here, and beyond. Thank you.
Second, I have had a conversation with one of the property owners, who was gracious and wants very much to be a part of a solution to this problem. The property owner has, in fact, given notice to those involved and worked closely with Code Enforcement, who initiated the removal stipulation. The property owner is allowing for the removal of personal property. The crew handling the clearing did go into the camp prior to beginning clearing to inform those there. Further, the property owner asked for assistance and referral agencies from code enforcement.
We continue to work with agencies who served families impacted in identifying and locating these families in order to provide them with tents, tarps, sleeping bags and other essential items they may have lost or cannot retrieve. We still do not have a clear idea of how many families are impacted but given what I saw at the site I believe it is more than the original 8 we were told.
We are hopeful, going forward that we can create a coalition of non-profit agencies to assist code enforcement and property owners to address situations like these. This would allow for the process to occur as legally mandated by code enforcement, give the property owner resources to assist those impacted and give those impacted connections with agencies they likely already know and trust as well as the ability to have needs met.
We have much work to do in addressing homelessness, this is by no means the end of this story. This is but a chapter (and a short one at that). We must continue to respond with compassion and empathy as we address the challenges our community faces. We must be willing to listen and learn from others, and we must lead the leaders.
The donations will help these families, and many others. What is not distributed to these families will be placed in our blessings box for the homeless and distributed to other agencies who are serving those with needs. If you would like to donate supplies, please call us at 828-327-6851. Should you need it, our address is 2760 Tate Blvd SE, Hickory NC. You are welcome to place items in our Blessings Box should we not be here.
No one agency, person, business or government has the ability or resources to address homelessness. But united, we do. And it will take all of us. Please, let’s keep this conversation going.
Mark
Also visit CCUW on Facebook for more related posts at THIS LINK.