Pastors and outreach groups tell Aiken council winter outreach found 30–40 unsheltered people and request supplies

Several faith leaders and outreach volunteers addressed the council during the non‑agenda public comment period about unsheltered residents and winter needs.

Pastor Bert Johnson of Lost Sheep Ministry told the council that volunteers conducting a point‑in‑time count "have already gotten around between 30 and 40 people that we've counted just last night," and urged donations of sleeping bags, hand warmers and other supplies ahead of forecasted cold weather. Johnson said the count helps secure HUD resources and highlighted local partner referrals to Aurora and Barnwell Mental Health for services. He also said the outreach team had recorded at least three freezing deaths in the community this month.

Lex Perry of C4 Impact Ministries described church coordination and job‑skills programs to help move people off the streets, saying churches are sharing referrals and encouraging work and housing solutions rather than repeating cycles of temporary aid. Perry urged property owners and community members to consider partnering with service providers that can refurbish and manage buildings for transitional housing.

Council members thanked volunteers and recognized local warming shelters and Salvation Army efforts to open daytime warming space. Staff noted coordinated outreach and enforcement approaches will continue and encouraged donation coordination through local service organizations.

Ending: Presenters asked for continued council support for housing resources and partner coordination; no specific council action was taken at the meeting, but staff and council members publicly commended outreach teams and volunteers.