CORNELIUS, N.C. — Students are being taken away from Bailey Middle School due to a “situation,” Cornelius Police said on Monday. 
The Cornelius Police Department posted on X that it was aware of a situation at the school. Parents were directed to pick up their kids at the former Foamex plant at the intersection of Bailey Road and Old Statesville Road. Officers confirmed buses were shuttling kids from Bailey Road Park to Foamex where they can be picked up by parents. 
No further information was made available by Cornelius Police. 
WCNC Charlotte has asked Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for more information about the incident. As of now, the district hasn’t responded to those questions. 
The situation comes as CMS investigates an alleged threat at West Charlotte High School. A parent said their child was told by another student about a possible incident at the school on Monday. A district spokesperson told WCNC Charlotte dozens of schools statewide have received threats in the wake of the Apalachee High School tragedy in Georgia.  […]

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The brother of the man involved in a controversial arrest in Rock Hill back in 2021 is now suing the city and the former officer involved.
Three years ago, Travis Price was slammed to the ground by then-officer Jonathan Moreno at a gas station in Rock Hill. It was captured on Facebook Live, police body cameras, and nearby surveillance cameras.
Last November, attorneys for Travis Price announced a civil suit against the city of Rock Hill over the arrest had been settled for $500,000. Justin Bamberg, a state representative in the South Carolina General Assembly and one of Price’s lawyers, said at the time it was one of the largest settlements of its kind with the city.
Now, Travis Price’s brother, Ricky Price, is bringing the city and Moreno to federal court again.
According to the new lawsuit, Ricky Price says he suffered mental and physical harm due to the incident.  […]

The suspect left the scene before police arrived. No arrests have been made.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — A woman was hit and killed by a driver in Mooresville late Saturday night, police said. 

The crash happened around midnight Saturday night along Rocky River Road. When Mooresville Police officers arrived, they found a 20-year-old woman who had been hit by a car. The victim, who hasn’t been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. Mooresville Fire-Rescue and Iredell County EMS assisted with the initial investigation and crash response. 

Investigators say the suspect vehicle drove away before officers arrived. Detectives haven’t released any suspect information or announced what kind of vehicle may have been involved. 

Anyone with information about this deadly crash is asked to call Mooresville Police at 704-664-331 immediately. 

RELATED: Charlotte leaders pushing to reduce traffic-related deaths

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com. 

RELATED: 70-year-old woman killed in Monroe crash, charges expected […]

The sheriff’s office confirmed its lake patrol unit, aviation response unit, and dive team were all assisting the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources with the search.  The search was focused on the part of Lake Wylie south of the Buster Boyd Bridge.
The search was suspended Sunday night due to difficult weather conditions, and resumed early Monday morning. The sheriff’s office has not provided further information on the search.
All of WCNC Charlotte’s podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.  […]

Asha Degree was last seen reportedly walking down Highway 18 between Fallston and Shelby on Feb. 14, 2000.

CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. — The search warrants executed by the FBI and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office the week of Sept. 9 were related to the disappearance of Asha Degree, investigators confirmed on Friday. 

Sheriff Alan Norman said the warrants were obtained based on physical evidence directly connected to Degree’s disappearance. Norman said no human remains were recovered at any of the properties searched. 

“Multiple items of interest were taken from the sites and will be analyzed,” Norman said. “It is important to dispel rumors circulating about the investigation.” 

An older green vehicle similar in appearance to one wanted in connection with Degree’s disappearance was towed from a home on Wednesday. No further details were provided by investigators about the car. Norman said the investigation is ongoing and official information will come from the sheriff’s office. 

RELATED: ‘Very tragic’: Neighbors concerned about FBI investigation in Cleveland County

The attorney for the man who owns the property where police are searching denies rumors a body has been found.

Who is Asha Degree?

Asha Degree, a shy 9-year-old girl from Shelby, North Carolina, disappeared in the middle of the night on Valentine’s Day in 2000. The fourth-grader’s disappearance shook the rural community and remains a mystery today. 

The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office reminded the community how the department’s search will not stop until they locate Asha, whom they often call “Cleveland County’s Sweetheart.”

Sheriff Alan Norman said detectives had made “significant progress” in the case in May, and vowed to never stop looking for her. 

“There’s an individual within the bounds of Cleveland County that knows where Asha’s at,” Norman said. “We’re asking you to come forward because eventually we’re going to find you and we’re going to bring you to justice if you don’t come forward first.”

Iquilla Degree, Asha’s mother, said in 2020 that she believes her daughter is still alive. 

“After 20 years, I still believe my daughter is alive,” she said. “I do not believe she is dead. And I know someone knows something. I’m not crazy enough to think that a 9-year-old can disappear into thin air without somebody knowing something.” 

RELATED: Investigators making ‘significant progress’ in search for Asha Degree, FBI says

When was Asha Degree last seen? 

Investigators say Asha disappeared from her bedroom sometime between 2:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. There was no sign of forced entry and no promising scent trail for search dogs to follow. 

At least two people claimed they saw a young female walking along North Carolina Highway 18 around 4 a.m. One person said when they turned around to check on her, the girl ran into the woods and wasn’t seen again. Another tipster told detectives they saw a young woman get into a green car that was from the 1970s. The FBI said they were looking for a Ford Thunderbird or Lincoln Mark IV in connection with Degree’s disappearance. 

“It’s not a cold case,” Cleveland County Detective Tim Adams said. “We’re not going to let it go. This is something we really feel like can be solved, and we’re determined to solve it.” 

Attorney of property owner speaks out 

Reporting by Austin Walker

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David Teddy, the attorney for the property owner who is identified as Roy Dedmon, said there’s been misinformation spread. He said this information has put his client in a terrible and difficult situation. 

“I feel compelled because of the conjecture and speculation,” Teddy said.  “There’s been no body found. There’s been no body let alone seven bodies; some people are putting out there on social media. That’s just not true.” 

Teddy said Dedmon has lived in the area all his life and believes those who are from the area are not spreading misinformation. 

Teddy would not answer questions from WCNC Charlotte about what was obtained from the home through the search warrants. He would also not expand on who the green car belonged to. He did add, from the documents, more pivotal information could be revealed. 

“I think there will be info that sadly will link a person to the circumstances of Asha’s disappearance who is no longer living,” Teddy speculated.

Teddy told WCNC Charlotte he believes the search warrant documentation will be available in a week. 

You can hear Teddy’s entire news conference with reporters Friday on the WCNC Charlotte YouTube channel.

The FBI and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office are offering a combined reward of $45,000 for anyone who has information that leads investigators to Asha Degree. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at 704-484-4822.  […]

Officers found three people who had been shot at the rental property, which is on Hollow Drive.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One person is dead and another two people are fighting for their lives in the hospital following an overnight shooting at a southeast Charlotte rental property, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said. 

It happened around 1 a.m. on Sunday in a neighborhood off of Monroe Road. 

Officers found three people who had been shot at the rental, which is on Hollow Drive. The property was rented out for an event, police said.

Medic took all three victims to local hospitals with life-threatening injuries. One of them was pronounced dead by medical staff shortly after arriving to the hospital.

The victims have not yet been publicly identified by police.

WCNC Charlotte is working to learn more. 

The investigation into the shooting is active and ongoing. The police department said it will release additional information as it becomes available. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS or leave tips anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. People can also send information to http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.   

(Note: An earlier version of this story states the shooting occurred at an Airbnb rental. Airbnb told WCNC Charlotte this property is not listed on Airbnb).

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

Dozens of schools across the Charlotte area have received threats in the wake of the Apalachee High School tragedy.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor’s: Note: The attached video aired on Sept. 12.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is investigating an apparent threat against West Charlotte High School, a district spokesperson confirmed on Monday. 

WCNC Charlotte received a tip from a parent who said their child was told a current West Charlotte student was telling others about a potential shooting at the school on Monday, Sept. 16. 

CMS said it is aware of the threat and is investigating. The district hasn’t provided any further details. 

The threat comes after a string of threats made at schools across the Charlotte area. Two people, including an 11-year-old, were connected to threats at schools in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties. The 11-year-old was accused of making threats against Gaston County schools, while the other suspect, also a juvenile, was arrested in connection with threats in Cleveland County. 

RELATED: Social media threat prompts increased security at Lancaster High School

CMS told WCNC Charlotte that an increase in threats isn’t uncommon following acts of school violence, such as the Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia. The district said last week that over 40 North Carolina schools have received threats, all of which are not credible. 

RELATED: Chilling new details in deadly Apalachee High School shooting

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Based on evidence from the scene and “incriminating statements Jonathan made to people he contacted after the killings, confessing,” Jonathan Freeman was arrested.

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A man is being held under no bond after the deadly shooting of two people on Saturday, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. 

It happened Saturday morning on Old Oak Lane in Woodleaf, the sheriff’s office said. 

The sheriff’s office said Amanda Burr called 911 around 8:45 a.m. and said a friend — identified as Jonathan Davon Freeman — sent her a photo of Bryan Burr, her husband, dead in their home. The sheriff’s office said deputies were also told Jonathan Freeman’s wife Teri Freeman was dead and at the home as well. 

Officers responded to the scene, where they found Jonathan Freeman. Both Bryan Burr and Teri Freeman were inside the home, and had died after being shot.

Based on evidence from the scene and “incriminating statements Jonathan made to people he contacted after the killings, confessing,” Jonathan Freeman was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. 

He is set to have his first court appearance on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Anyone with information on the investigation is asked to call 704-216-8711. 

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

Public street parking has a two-hour time limit and the rate is set at $1.50 an hour for the more than 1,200 metered parking spaces in Uptown and South End.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Failing to pay at the parking meters in Uptown and South End in Charlotte is officially going to cost you. 

On Sept. 3, paid parking rules officially took effect. Previously, street parking was free after 6 p.m., but now you’ll have to pay at the parking meter from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Public street parking has a two-hour time limit and the rate is set at $1.50 an hour for the more than 1,200 metered parking spaces in Uptown and South End, so these new changes will mean paying more to stay parked even longer. 

RELATED: New parking rules are in effect in Uptown and South End. Here’s what you need to know

Anyone who stays beyond that two-hour time limit without paying again could be given a $25 citation. 

This change is due to a Strategic Parking Plan the Charlotte Department of Transportation introduced in 2022.

The city gave people a grace period to adjust to the changes, but that’s now over. 

The city of Charlotte decided on the parking changes this year, hoping that extending paid parking hours from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. will generate more turnover during peak parking hours.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Street parking in parts of Charlotte will change soon. Here’s what you need to know

It’s also in an effort to promote off-street options for long-term parking needs and enhance safety by ensuring people comply with parking rules. Additionally, it’s a plus for local businesses as more spots to park will be available more frequently.

Sustain Charlotte previously said they believe it would make streets safer for all.

“I think it’s a smart move overall for everyone,” Eric Zaverl with Sustain Charlotte said. ” There’s always a spot available, you don’t have to drive around the block several times.”

Still, these changes continue to be unpopular with those who don’t like to pay for parking to begin with. For anyone who does get a parking citation, it can be appealed online.

RELATED: Metered parking changes ‘a huge inconvenience’ for many who work in Uptown

Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Now alerted to WCNC Charlotte’s results, Duke Energy refuses to answer questions on-camera.
“Duke Energy’s sales of ash were conducted in accordance with state regulations in place at the time, which set out how ash could be used in ways that are safe for people and the environment,” utility spokesperson Bill Norton said, repeating prior talking points. “Property owners retain full responsibility for maintenance to ensure ongoing compliance with state regulations. Our involvement in this project ended decades ago.”
The agency has not revealed, at WCNC Charlotte’s request, what specific guidance regulators have shared with Tutor Time. In August, DEQ helped with a visual inspection of the day care. Tutor Time said that visit by state regulators found “no risk to children.”
“They need to do more than a visual inspection,” Dr. Vengosh said. “The impact is not immediate. It could be a five, seven years gap between exposure to actually the occurrence of the health impact.”
NCDHHS also declined WCNC Charlotte’s interview request, referring questions about a specific site back to DEQ. However, the health agency warned of coal ash’s potential health risks.
“(Coal ash) is made of fine sand (called silica), unburned carbon and various metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, selenium, mercury, nickel and zinc,” the agency said in an email. “Many of these substances may be harmful to humans depending on the amount and duration of contact…In the long term, some of the compounds found in coal ash can cause cancer after continued ingestion and inhalation.” […]

You can’t turn on the TV without seeing an election commercial. But what’s true and what’s false? WCNC Charlotte is verifying for you.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As this election season ramps up, WCNC Charlotte is verifying the ads you see on your television.

For the next few months, we will focus on both the presidential race and the North Carolina governor’s race when it comes to which ads we verify.

We will look at ads by the campaigns themselves as well as ones put together by political action committees, also known as PACs.

Each week, we will verify two ads, on back-to-back days, that will air during the same newscast. These will first air in our 6 p.m. newscast, and then that same Verify piece will re-air in the 6 a.m. the following day for those who didn’t see it the day before.

All of these will stories will also be linked on this page once they air. That way you can see anything you may have missed. 

Josh Stein attack ad against Mark Robinson

This ad is paid for by Josh Stein, who is running against Robinson as the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. In the ad, there are several claims about Precious Beginnings, a daycare previously run by Robinson and his wife in Greensboro. Here’s what we found.

More Videos

Mark Robinson attack ad against Josh Stein

This ad is paid for by Friends of Mark Robinson which is the campaign for Republican Mark Robinson running against democratic governor candidate Josh Stein. In the ad, we’re looking at several claims. Here’s what we found.

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Donald Trump attack ad against Kamala Harris

This ad is paid for by Donald Trump’s campaign. We are breaking down two claims in this ad surrounding immigration. The ad starts with this claim that Harris is a Border Czar. Here’s what we found.

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Kamala Harris attack ad against Donald Trump

This ad is paid for by the Kamala Harris campaign. The issue surrounds immigration claims regarding former President Donald Trump. Here’s what we found: 

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If there are specific ads or claims you would like to verify, make sure to email the Verify team at verify@wcnc.com.

VERIFY | Fact-checking claims about Mark Robinson’s day care

Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

A child is being charged with involuntary manslaughter after 16-year-old Jaiden Harris was found dead from a gunshot wound.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 12-year-old suspect was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of a Charlotte teen, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said on Sunday.

What began as a death investigation on Friday, is now a homicide investigation, police said.

On Friday, officers found 16-year-old Jaiden Harris dead from a gunshot wound at a home on Burnt Umber Drive.

Detectives identified a 12-year-old as a suspect in this case and took the child to the law enforcement center in Uptown to speak with homicide detectives.  

After the interview, the 12-year-old was charged with involuntary manslaughter and released into the custody of their parents, police said.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. 

Police will release more information when it becomes available, the department said.

Anyone with information about this is asked to call 704-432-TIPS or leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

New numbers from UnidosUS show only 58% of Latinos in North Carolina say they are certain they will vote.

CONCORD, N.C. — Hundreds of people kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month Sunday at Festival El Grito in Concord.

Angel Romero arrived decked in head-to-toe representation of El Salvador, where he lived before moving to Charlotte 27 years ago.

“It’s the honor for me and all my people to represent the independence to my country,” Romero said.

The Festival included dozens of vendors, including multiple groups offering resources to the growing Latino community ahead of the November election.

“For a long time, there’s been a vibrant Hispanic community in Charlotte, and it’s becoming more clear now as it grows even more,” said Jack Golub with the Hispanic Federation. “It’s really exciting to be able to see that recognition grow and that appreciation grow.”

New numbers from UnidosUS show only 58% of Latinos in North Carolina say they are certain they will vote, which is a smaller percentage than other states they polled.

“There’s a lot of Latino members of the community who have been citizens for a long time and are eligible to vote, but just don’t know it, or haven’t for whatever reason, because it hasn’t been accessible to them,” Golub said.

More data from UnidosUS show that many of those voters are undecided, leaving an opening for either campaign. They found that 49% had not been contacted yet by either campaign.

Golub said they registered 10 people to vote in just the first hour.

The voter registration deadline for this November’s election is Oct. 11. You can register online, in person at the DMV, or by mail.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

Bryce Young had just 84 yards passing in the 26-3 loss to the Chargers.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers fell to 0-2 on the season with a dreadful 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and Bryce Young could not look more lost as an NFL starting quarterback.

Whether it was the crossfield scramble that resulted in a sack that kicked the Panthers out of field goal range in the first quarter, the interception into double coverage in the second quarter, or the jump pass attempt that hit the back of an offensive lineman in the fourth quarter, Young did little to improve his stock in Sunday’s loss to the Chargers.

Young finished with just 84 yards passing while completing 18 of 26 passes, which adds up to just 4.6 yards per completion (YPC). It’s the first time a quarterback has finished with under 100 yards while completing at least 18 passes. No quarterback has ever finished a game completing over 11 passes with such a low YPC.

Panthers voiced their displeasure for Young with loud boos toward the quarterback during the game against the Chargers — not exactly the way Carolina envisioned their home opener.

RELATED: ‘You get what you deserve’ | Panthers continue to face criticism after Week 1 disaster

Head coach Dave Canales says he is committed to Young despite the rough start to the season.

“Bryce is our quarterback,” Canales said after the loss to the Chargers. “We’re going to continue to fix up things we need to fundamentally from a scheme standpoint.”

Canales’ comments are obvious coachspeak but he did make sure to push the blame onto the whole team rather than just Young.

“I can’t make any specific comments about one player,” Canales said. “We’re all frustrated and we’d all like to play better football.”

The Panthers brought in Canales hoping he could boost Young to No. 1 pick worthiness. Canales was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the last two seasons, working with Tom Brady and resurrecting Baker Mayfield’s career.

Young struggled in 16 starts during his rookie season as the Panthers finished with the NFL’s worst record at 2-15. Young threw for just 2877 yards, the second-fewest by a No. 1 quarterback who played at least 14 games. Young’s paltry 5.5 yards per attempt in 2023 was the worst among No. 1 quarterbacks who started more than eight games.

Carolina added wide receivers Dionte Johnson and Xavier Legette, and guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis to give Young weapons and protection. 

Young has not shown improvement with the help. The 84 yards Young threw for on Sunday are the fewest in his 18 starts. No player had ever completed at least 18 passes while throwing under 100 yards, so at least Young is setting some records for the Panthers.

“This is obvious tough times but it’s a great opportunity for the whole team to grow,” Young said after Sunday’s loss. 

When asked about fans who booed him on Sunday, Young said he respects Panthers fans and acknowledges that’s a part of the game. 

“It starts with me,” Young said. “I have to do a better job of executing. All of us as players have to do a better job at executing.”

RELATED: Panthers’ Derrick Brown to miss rest of 2024 season with knee injury

Experienced veteran Andy Dalton is the team’s backup quarterback and would be a valid starting option if the Panthers let Young sit. Dalton threw for over 350 yards and scored two touchdowns during one start for the Panthers in 2023.

The Panthers say they are committed to Young but if more losses continue to pile up we could see a midseason switch at the signal caller position. Carolina plays the Las Vegas Raiders on the road in Week 3.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A shooting in west Charlotte left a 2-year-old girl hurt early Sunday morning.
Police found a 2-year-old girl shot at the scene. She was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and is in stable condition, according to police.
Multiple apartments were hit by gunfire in the shooting.
No information has been released on any suspects. CMPD is continuing to investigate. […]

Police posted a video of the burglary on their YouTube page and are hoping someone can identify the suspect.

This time, the dragon helped extinguish a fire.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Knights mascot Homer the Dragon flipped the script Tuesday: he helped put out a fire. 

When a small brush fire broke out in a flower bed near Truist Field and Romare Bearden Park, the Charlotte Fire Department said, “Homer was in the neighborhood and assisted Charlotte Fire Engine 4 with putting the fire out.”

Walter Hawkins, who shared photos of the event with WCNC Charlotte, said he was at Romare Bearden park Tuesday around noon when he noticed the fire. Hawkins said while waiting for a fire engine to arrive, multiple people stopped to help — among them, Charlotte’s favorite dragon. 

Homer the Dragon told WCNC Charlotte he was shooting a video in the team store when the team store manager noticed a fire across the street. Homer ran over, and when he noticed an extinguisher in use had emptied, he said he knew it was time to step up.

At that point, Homer said they pulled the pin on their extinguisher, working to get the fire out. When Engine 4 pulled up, Homer said the firefighters had big smiles and let Homer use the fire hose to cover the fire in water. 

“I’m so thankful for the brave citizen that started putting the fire out, those that called 911, and the Engine 4 crew!” Homer said in a statement. “It was an honor to protect and serve the neighborhood and city that I love.” 

RELATED: Charlotte Knights announce season delayed until May 4

RELATED: Long lines at Spectrum Center COVID-19 vaccine clinic […]

Gaston County Commissioners voted Tuesday to create an intergovernmental agency task force on homelessness.

GASTONIA, N.C. — Gaston County commissioners met Tuesday and voted unanimously to create a homelessness task force. The task force will review how many people are homeless, what barriers people face seeking help, and review potential solutions.

John Mills, the director of social services for The Salvation Army in Gastonia, is optimistic about the possible changes resulting from a task force.

“Just more collaboration and communication as far as our services because really no one agency can do it all,” Mills said. “I think it’d be much more stronger focus as far as our clientele and just trying to help them more.”

Dwayne Burks is the director and chaplain of The Gateway, which connects people with chronic crises to relief programs to lift themselves out of homelessness.

He said there are two challenges with Gaston County’s homelessness issue: affordable housing, and government services and non-profits in the county that are siloed in their efforts yet have overlapping responsibilities.

Gaston County commissioners will be meeting tonight to discuss forming a homelessness taskforce. Today at 5:30 p.m. @wcnc, the unique challenges to solving Gaston County’s homelessness, and how the promise of big projects could exacerbate the issue. pic.twitter.com/8MzhpLSNze
— Brandon Goldner (@BrandonWCNC) March 9, 2021

Burks said in The Gateway’s last count, they had 5,600 people receiving Supplemental Security Income from the federal government, which is under $900 a month.

But he said, at any given time, the county only has about 2,200 rental units total, with a median price of $800 a month.

“It’s wonderful to see the growth that we’re seeing in our community,” Burks said. “But we’re also gentrifying because we’re not planning ahead for that.”

He said Gaston County has a unique challenge because outside of Gastonia, there are few options for people seeking help.

“We need a pathway for those folks that’s clearly delineated, ‘This is how you get yourself out of homelessness,'” Burks said.

The number of people in Gaston County on the verge of homelessness is also on the rise.

Crisis Assistance Ministry in Gastonia helps people facing an emergency crisis situation by providing food, financial assistance, or limited medications.

Kim Wheeler, the nonprofit’s director, said the pandemic’s placed more people on the brink of homelessness.

“Most of the people we’re seeing are new applicants who have never been in this position,” Wheeler said.

From March 2020 to February 2021, the non-profit distributed $365,000 in emergency rent and utility payments, which was more than double the amount during the same period in 2019 to 2020.

Here’s a breakdown of who will be on the task force: 

A member of the board of commissioners who will chair that task force
A representative of the elected board or council of each of the cities or towns
A local faith community representative that geographically represents the county
A county health department representative appointed by the county manager as well as a social service representative
A Gaston County police department representative 
A United Way county representative 
Aston County Salvation Army representative 
Gaston/Lincoln/Cleveland Continuum of Care planning committee 
A Catherine’s House Sisters of Mercy representative

Commissioner Tracy Philbeck was approved as the chairman of the task force. […]