Community Activists Urge Myrtle Beach Leaders to Act on Homelessness Crisis
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – A band of community activists made their voices heard at the Myrtle Beach City Council meeting this Tuesday, pressuring the council members to adopt a more comprehensive approach to resolving the homelessness problem afflicting the city.
The advocates, many of whom are instrumental in providing direct aid to the homeless, expressed their desire to collaborate with the city and requested increased transparency.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
Kate Curran, executive director of the Fresh Brewed Coffee House, expressed frustration at the systemic barriers impeding progress. The coffee house serves as a resource hub for those in need, offering assistance with basic necessities.
“We’re encountering obstacles that only the city can help us overcome,” Curran said. “We’re appealing to the city for a lucid strategy to tackle housing and food insecurity. Their cooperation is crucial.”
Challenges Faced by the Homeless
One of the focal points raised by the activists was the alarming shortage of shelter space in Myrtle Beach. They argued this deficit is particularly distressing for women, in light of the fact that there are no emergency overnight shelters for women anywhere in Horry County.
They further stressed that this lack of shelter drives the homeless to seek refuge in inappropriate areas, a practice which often results in their arrest and enhances fears that the city is resorting to excessive policing in response to homelessness.
Policing is Not the Solution
In response to concerns of over-policing, Chief Amy Prock asserted that the Myrtle Beach Police Department is proactive in addressing homelessness through various initiatives, rather than merely penalizing those affected.
“We need to work collectively to solve this issue,” said Prock. “Pointing fingers is counterproductive. The notion that we’re trying to ‘police our way out of this’ is starkly misinformed.”
While Curran acknowledged the efforts made by the police department, she reiterated her stance that law enforcement is burdened with too much responsibility in handling the situation.
“This isn’t about blaming the police… we’re not providing them with viable alternatives on where to place those in need,” Curran opined.
Upcoming Dialogues
The activists pledged to meet with Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune next week, with the aim of discussing the homelessness issue in greater depth.
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