What To Do With The North End Encampment? City Leaders And Volunteers Share Their Thoughts

CHARLOTTE, NC – There is growing attention on the increasing population of people living in Charlotte North end encampment.

The collection of tents north of 277 now stretches for blocks. While local leaders are working to come up with a solution, people on the ground say the fix may not be so easy.

“Our biggest goal is to connect those that we serve to the resources that are already available,” said Deb Woolard of Block Love CLT.

Woolard spends three days a week serving meals to those living in the tent community.

“A lot of times, there is that trust that can be broken. So we can gain their trust and then in turn they gain the trust of those that are there already in place to assist them,” said Woolard.

She says times are tough. People displaced due to the pandemic are adding to the homeless population. There are various levels of mental health, physical health, and other issues that must be addressed on an individual basis.

“People don’t consider these issues when they’re talking about, we’re just going to end homelessness and just put everybody somewhere. Where are you going to put the individuals that maybe can’t handle it,” questioned Woolard.

“The problem every day is growing by leaps and bounds,” said Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham.

He says he recognizes the urgent need to address the issues facing people in the tent city.

“At some point in time, there is going to be a community reckoning that we have to do something and take some action,” said Graham.

He says the city must set a 90-120 day deadline to get people placed in housing or a shelter. They must also provide wrap around services and resources. And appoint a group of people to close the encampment.

“It’s a situation that we have to address with dignity and respect for the people that are living there. But also acknowledge that what is happening out there is not sustainable,” said Graham.

But people working on the ground, like Deb Woolard, say the solutions are much more nuanced.

“They’re just disconnected from what’s really going on. And what’s really happening,” said Woolard.

Right now, beds are available for all the people in the encampment, but they’re not being used for various reasons. One reason is COVID concerns.

“You have to be connected to the issues and concerns that our neighbors have. Because if you’re not, you’re going to make unwise choices for them and it’s not fair,” said Woolard.