New Hanover County commissioners considering ban on homeless sleeping outside downtown locations

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Commissioners are considering a ban on homeless people sleeping overnight on New Hanover County-owned property.

At their meeting on Monday, commissioners will hear a report about criminal activity, littering and the use of outdoor and parking deck areas as restrooms.

Commissioners will consider an amendment banning people from occupying, camping, sleeping or placing, erecting or utilizing any tents, cooking equipment or bedding between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

It would also ban people from sleeping on county parking decks.

Missy Joyner volunteers her time feeding the homeless during the week. 

“I asked them today if they knew where they were going to be going, and they don’t. I’m concerned myself with just making sure they are fed during the week, but they have no idea where they are going to be,” said Joyner.  

She says many of them are worried about where they will lay their heads if the ordinance does pass. 

Katrina Knight, Executive Director of the Good Shepherd Center says they have seen an increase in demand since the downtown homeless discussion began.   

“We do essentially have a waiting list for beds for single men, single women, and families with children. So, we know there is unmet need out there,” said Katrina Knight, Good Shepherd Center Executive Director. 

County Manager, Chris Coudriet, released a statement regarding the ordinance that reads,  

“The impetus with the ordinance is largely about keeping the public square safe and clean, which is a standard expectation we have for all of our properties. On the county’s downtown block, there has been violence, drug activity, and incredibly unsanitary conditions. The county has taken steps and the added expense to clean the site every day through an industrial cleaning company, which cleans up trash and hazardous materials. This is an effort to keep the site as sanitary as possible, but that is not and should not be a long-term solution. The county is also working through our Street Outreach Team to help individuals connect to resources and sheltering options when they are available, and they have developed a “bin den” program where the county is providing secure storage at no cost for each person’s personal items. We will remain committed to supporting those who are unsheltered, providing a safe place to store personal items, and ensuring that county facilities and properties are safe and healthy for the entire public.” 

New Hanover County Commissioners will meet Monday (Jan. 23) at 9 a.m. at the New Hanover County Courthouse to further discuss the ordinance.