Record Homelessness Rates in Myrtle Beach Highlight Growing Crisis

News Summary

Myrtle Beach is grappling with a significant increase in homelessness, with rates surging by 18% nationwide in 2024, and a troubling rise in family homelessness by nearly 40%. Public concern is growing as local individual stories emerge, exemplified by Matthew Moody’s plight after losing his job. Community responses are underway, including law enforcement initiatives and collaborations with local organizations to provide much-needed support and resources, although challenges remain in effectively managing the crisis.

Record Homelessness Rates in Myrtle Beach Highlight Growing Crisis

Myrtle Beach is witnessing a heartbreaking surge in homelessness that has reached alarming levels. In 2024, the homeless rates in the United States spiked a staggering 18%, with a nearly 40% increase in family homelessness alone. Sadly, this rise is impacting many individuals, including Matthew Moody, who has experienced a devastating fall from stability.

The Personal Impact of Homelessness

Matthew Moody, a once-stable member of the Myrtle Beach community, found himself facing homelessness after 26 years of having a roof over his head. His story isn’t unique; many individuals and families are struggling due to the growing number of financial hardships. Moody emphasizes that people are caught in a cycle where they “basically have to work to be broke.” This bleak reality illustrates the harsh conditions faced by many in the area.

After losing his job as a fry cook at the end of the tourist season in 2024, Moody has now been living without a permanent place to call home. However, he holds onto hope, planning to return to work in March. Moody has taken to TikTok, documenting his daily struggles and sharing eye-opening perspectives on the homelessness crisis in Myrtle Beach.

Rising Rates and Community Response

With homelessness on the rise, the Myrtle Beach police have reported an annual increase in the homeless population, particularly during the warmer summer months. This seasonal influx attracts vacationers and locals alike, who often struggle to find stable employment. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there were around 1,034 homeless individuals counted in Myrtle Beach and its surrounding areas in 2022.

In response to this pressing issue, the police department is actively exploring initiatives to address homelessness. They’ve partnered with organizations like New Directions, and host community resource fairs to help connect individuals in need with the resources available to them. A unique opioid response team has been established to provide outreach and assistance to homeless individuals, aiming to deliver support where it is most needed.

Unpacking the Complexities of Homelessness

The city is considering plans to set up a centralized resource center aimed at offering comprehensive assistance for the homeless population. However, challenges remain, including recent arrests of 13 individuals for violating a city ordinance against unlawful camping in January 2024. These actions highlight ongoing enforcement efforts to manage the growing homeless community.

Myrtle Beach has faced criticism concerning its inconsistency in enforcing its own ordinance requiring a 24-hour notice before clearing homeless camps. This lack of consistent communication can leave many without adequate notice, resulting in sudden removals and fines, causing even greater distress in an already vulnerable population. The interpersonal dynamics between officials and individuals in these tough situations can yield vastly different responses based on various circumstances.

Engaging the Community

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of homelessness, Myrtle Beach officials acknowledge that the root causes often stem from job loss, illness, mental health challenges, or family breakdown. This complexity is at the forefront of discussions centered around developing supportive actions.

The community is encouraged to become involved in monthly Coordinated Effort meetings, focusing on understanding and addressing homelessness to impact the area’s most vulnerable effectively. Unfortunately, the city’s homeless task force, established in 2019 to manage this crisis, has yet to be activated, reflecting notable gaps in a coordinated response.

As Myrtle Beach faces ongoing struggles with rising homelessness rates, the hope remains that through community involvement, increased awareness, and targeted initiatives, lasting solutions can be developed to support those in need and create a more compassionate environment for everyone.