On Tuesday, the Southern Pines Town Council met for a work session focused on, among other things, homelessness in the town and Moore County. Earlier this year, the Town partnered with students in the U.S. Army Civil Affairs Qualification course to scope the depth of homelessness as well as other social service concerns in the area and to come up with a set of recommendations. In early spring, they met with schools, TEAM WORKZ and other agencies and came up with a consensus consisting of three categories:
*To expand the current working group on the subject.
*To explore the concept of organizing a “resource event,” such as “homeless veterans’ stand-downs.” Such events would bring as many organizations, both public and private, together to provide “everything from haircuts to new boots to winter jackets, veterans’ benefits counseling” and more to veterans experiencing homelessness.
*A resource guide, described as “the most vague of the recommendations.” It would be a central place where resources could be found by those most in need: One place to call or visit to find out what services are available.
In January, a nationwide “Point in Time” (PIT) study was done to find out how many people are experiencing homelessness and pinpoint their locations. The PIT count this year broke down like this in Moore County: 59 total homeless people, with 39 adults and 19 children, including one unaccompanied underage child.
In 2023, the PIT count in Moore County pinpointed 46 total homeless – so in 2024, there was a 28 percent increase in those with housing insecurities.
Services currently offered in the county include those provided by the Boys and Girls Club, the Sandhills Coalition, and TEAM WORKZ. The Southern Pines Library also offers free services.
It was pointed out that people who work with the homeless population say that the PIT count is generally about half of the actual homeless count, but no one knows for sure.
One question was, “Does the Army group offer any services in addition to their input? Apparently, it does not, but what Southern Pines has offered them is a way to interact with town officials on real problems not generally encountered in the Army qualification course. There is no facility through the military itself to deal with veterans experiencing homelessness, but the Veterans Affairs does offer some services such as, in larger communities, the “Veterans’ Stand-downs.” These bring VA sources together, such as VA dentists, physicians, and others. The library also has lists of resources.
The Council determined that bringing all the resources together for a community help event would be a good idea. It is envisioned as a countywide event, bringing together services from all Moore County municipalities.
New Park Signs
Southern Pines Mayor Taylor Clement told the Council that there is about $25,000 available in the current operating budget for new entrance signs for the town’s parks, presented a list of facilities they consider to be parks, and asked for consensus on what, exactly, are termed “parks.” For instance, the Elizabeth Rounds Playground and Reservoir Park are essentially one parcel as the properties are adjacent and consist of a 326-acre park, which makes it a more attractive funding possibility for signs. A meeting will be held this week to determine the design and other aspects of the new signs.
It was also brought up that, for example, it would be nice to post a bit of history on who Elizabeth Rounds was. She was an educator, a Southern Pines Council member, and the wife of children’s author Glenn Rounds, but current signage does not explain that.
A “lack of creativity” on park signs was mentioned as well, and it was generally agreed that more creative names could be instituted. For example, there’s more to Pool Park than just a pool, and a more creative sign could point that out.
So, what do signs cost? Clement said the $25,000 budget is probably a “phase one,” considering new signs have not yet been designed. Also, the park entrance signs will be the most expensive of the signs, and it would be desirable to come up with a standard. Some dog park signs were displayed with more information and instructions about keeping dogs on a leash. About “30-ish” signs have been ordered, and they will be installed at dog park entrances. They will also have hooks with leashes attached so that those who come with dogs but no leashes can borrow them.
To hear about other topics discussed at the Council meeting, please click link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DPYW8kJeXs&t=112s
Feature photo: Screenshot of Southern Pines Town Council on Aug. 27.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Steve Biddle.
To read a previous article on homelessness, please click on below title: