Homelessness

The committee co-chair described an inaccessible, overflowing storage room, donations stored at her house, and pleaded for a conex near the recreation center so volunteers can reach supplies any time to feed the homeless.

Briefly spoke in agreement with Parker, hinting at recorded statements by the former chair about promises made by the town manager before being gaveled back.

Committee liaison said the committee has secured three new supply contracts and — on the record — has no problem meeting at the VFW and sharing space with the Chamber.

Royal, chair of the Homelessness Advisory Committee, invited the board to a May 9 ribbon cutting for two greenhouses built with Lowe's, Scott's Miracle Gro, Bonnie Plants, and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers at Myrover Reese Fellowship Homes, and asked the town to explore bringing a similar resource hub to Hope Mills.

The committee chair announced a free faith-based partnership for storage and kitchen space, plus an Amazon donation contract, so no budget money is needed.

A hospice nurse and homelessness committee member urged the board to keep compassion for the homeless, describing outreach into camps and encampments in Hope Mills and praising officers who responded kindly.

Questioned why the committee fed homeless people at a Fayetteville encampment and objected to giving the committee town storage space when the Historic Preservation Commission was told to clear out its storage of town artifacts; suggested the committee be rebranded.