Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness Warming Centers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lenoir City Council appoints committee to coordinate warming and cooling centers after residents describe growing need
Summary
After residents and volunteers described increased demand for meals and shelter, the Lenoir City Council voted to form a committee—including three local pastors and Councilman Robert McNabb—to inventory resources and recommend a coordinated approach to warming and cooling centers.
Mayor Tony Higgins said the council would form a committee to explore whether the city should coordinate warming and cooling centers after several residents and volunteer groups described rising need. The council approved the formation of the committee by roll call; all members present voted "Aye."
The move follows public comments from Christie Viet, director of Colton's Warm Hearts, who told the council her volunteer group has been meeting area needs for two years and has expanded from about 60 meals per service to roughly 105. Viet said churches, individuals and businesses have supported the effort but that a coordinated location or plan would reach more people. "We started meeting the needs of the homeless in the area as well as some families needing items, food and things of that nature," Viet said during public comment.
Police Chief (Chief White) told the council officers and firefighters routinely check on people experiencing homelessness and that counts vary by season. He said local responders estimate fewer than 10 people are currently living unhoused in the city on a persistent basis, with periodic transient arrivals. The chief also said outreach and emergency vouchers have been used to place people in hotel rooms during extreme cold snaps. He told council members the department tracks known individuals and coordinates with churches and nonprofit partners to provide immediate shelter resources.
Council members said a city-led effort could reduce duplication among volunteer groups and improve access to services without making calls to police the only option for people seeking shelter. At the meeting Mayor Higgins said he would appoint Councilman Robert McNabb and three local pastors to the committee and asked members to bring any useful information back to the council for further action. The motion to form the committee passed unanimously by roll call.
The council did not adopt a citywide policy at the meeting. Members said the committee will inventory existing resources, review prior planning done in 2019, and report back with recommendations and any needed budget or interagency actions. The council asked staff and volunteer groups to bring details about available beds, donated supplies and any grant funds that could be used to support temporary centers.
