Hidden crisis: Leland and Brunswick County’s growing homeless situation
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — A woman is mourning the loss of her property and belongings following a fire over the weekend.
The fire broke out at a homeless encampment behind the Food Lion on Reed Road in Leland, causing some town residents to be concerned about the homeless situation in the area.
Sabrina Beckworth was one of the people living there and said she lost the majority of her clothes, while her boyfriend suffered third-degree burns trying to put the fire out.
Beckworth said she has been homeless for over a year and hasn’t been able to get the help she needs to get back on her feet.
“They just like, they’re not helping,” Beckworth said. “The only person that’s out here that’s helped was the Red Cross and that’s done and came to an end. And I mean, I’m still struggling. I guess I probably will be until, until the day I die, I guess.”
Joe Staton is the president of the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition. He said the county has a wider homeless problem than residents might realize.
“We have recurring problems with homelessness come up,” Staton said. “Last year, the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition came into contact with 1,045 clients who were in need of our services. So we can’t count exactly how many people there are that are experiencing homelessness but our numbers certainly indicate that there will be a problem in that area.”
Despite the Red Cross’ help, Beckworth is back on the streets and said it’s difficult for her to get additional help because she has a criminal record.
“But if you got a criminal history and stuff like that, and you don’t remember some of your criminal history, you will get in trouble for that. Like the Salvation Army, I got, the last time I was in there, they write me up because I actually forgot a criminal history that happened when I turned like 17, 18 years old.”
If you need any help, contact the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition, Brunswick Family Assistance, or the Brunswick Partnership for Housing.
