Myrtle Beach Sees Increase in Homelessness: A Closer Look at Local Issues
As the summer sun begins to retreat and the cooler breeze rolls in, Myrtle Beach finds itself facing a pressing issue that’s been stirring up conversations among locals: homelessness. To get a better understanding, let’s dive into the story of Samantha Gallo, who has found herself living on the streets after losing her apartment earlier this spring.
Setting Up Camp
Samantha, along with a handful of others, has been setting up camp under an underpass on S.C. 17, in the Murrells Inlet and Garden City area. She chose this spot to protect herself from the ever-changing elements. “There used to be more people living here,” she shared. “But when the police showed up and asked us to clean up, they all left. Now, it feels like I’m left holding the bag—with the possibility of a $500 littering ticket looming over me.”
The Community’s Reaction
Myrtle Beach residents have started to voice their concerns on local social media pages, tossing around pictures of campsites as proof that homelessness is on the rise in the South Strand area. Many folks in Murrells Inlet feel like the situation is increasingly visible, and they are worried about what that means for the community.
A Growing Need for Resources
Among those working to change the narrative is Micheal Warren, the ECHO HUD outreach coordinator. He found himself helping more individuals in the Garden City and Murrells Inlet regions this year. “I’ve noticed a shift in where people are congregating,” he explained. “It seems some individuals are moving south, potentially due to the recent development and clearing out of wooded areas in Myrtle Beach.”
The Hidden Inconvenience
Kate Curran, owner of the popular Fresh Brewed Coffee House in Myrtle Beach, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that newly constructed homes and businesses have pushed homeless folks out of areas where they once blended into the background. Being visible certainly adds a challenge for those trying to survive on the streets.
The Daily Struggles
Back under the bridge, Samantha described her daily life. “I get honked at and yelled at all the time,” she said with a sigh. “It’s my new normal.” In fact, someone even tried to get her trespassed from nearby businesses, claiming she was there when she wasn’t. “It feels like I can’t catch a break,” she expressed. It’s safe to say that many readers will find it heartbreaking to hear how Samantha and others like her are grappling with such harsh realities.
Challenges with Shelters
Unfortunately, the resources available for those seeking a safe place to stay are limited. In Myrtle Beach, there are a mere 22 emergency shelter beds for men. While some other supportive housing options exist, they’re simply not enough. As ECHO CEO Joey Smoke mentioned, around 1,000 emergency shelter beds would be needed to adequately accommodate those who find themselves without a roof over their heads.
The Bigger Picture
In a community like ours, where beauty and tourism are prominent, it’s easy to overlook the deeper struggles happening behind the scenes. “If you have more than two homeless people congregated, it’s like a bat signal in the sky,” Samantha remarked. It’s clear that the stakes are high, and finding sustainable solutions is more crucial than ever.
What Can Be Done?
With growing conversations around homelessness, it’s essential for our Myrtle Beach community to come together. Whether by advocating for change, volunteering at local shelters, or spreading awareness, every little effort helps. The issue is complex, but it starts with awareness and understanding our neighbors’ struggles. Myrtle Beach, let’s aim to shine a light on this pressing issue and work together to create a safer space for everyone.
