Good Shepherd Center hosts ‘Brunswick Cares’ forum on homelessness

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The Good Shepherd Center of Wilmington hosted a forum on homelessness Thursday. 

The event titled “Brunswick Cares” was held at Port City Church in Leland, bringing together community partners, advocates, and volunteers to discuss the state of homelessness and housing affordability in Brunswick County.  

“For many years, I think we all looked to Brunswick County as the source of affordable housing, and unfortunately, Brunswick County is catching up to New Hanover,” Good Shepherd Center Executive Director Katrina Knight said, noting there’s a misconception that Brunswick County doesn’t experience homelessness.  

Knight says, in reality, half of all renters in the county struggle to afford housing.

“Brunswick County is such a big community. It’s so spread out, and so, homelessness in Brunswick County is often kind of hidden,” she explained. “You know, that senior, that individual, that family in crisis may not be as visible as it would be perhaps in a more urban community.”  

Good Shepherd has been helping homeless people across the Cape Fear—including in Brunswick County—for nearly 40 years.  

Army Veteran Jason McMaster knows that support firsthand. 

“Depression, PTSD, my wife left me, and I was injured when I was in the military,” McMaster recalled. “[I] Found myself in a ditch, and Good Shepherd Center helped me out.”  

Two years ago, McMaster was staying at the Sgt. Eugene Ashley Center in Wilmington, a temporary housing community for homeless veterans.  

Now, he’s back in Brunswick County, using his story to help others.  

“The first thing is just somebody to listen,” McMaster said. “Somebody to just listen to my problem. Not throw something at me, just ‘Here’s some food, go away.'”  

McMaster says as the county continues to grow, so does the need.  

“People that are struggling just need a handout, need a hand up. You know, just to get them started. Sometimes it’s just a stake in life,” he said. 

If you’re experiencing homelessness, or would like to donate or volunteer with the Good Shepherd Center, you can learn more here.