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Lenoir residents and service providers defend emergency use of sleeping pods; council cites zoning and safety rules
Summary
At a crowded Feb. 17 public comment period, users and volunteers of nonprofit His Humble Hands described the pods placed at 532 Harper Ave as life‑saving during a recent ice storm while the city reiterated zoning and fire‑safety requirements; no formal action to permit the pods was taken.
The City of Lenoir heard more than a dozen public commenters on Feb. 17 about sleeping pods placed by the nonprofit His Humble Hands at 532 Harper Avenue, a use the city says was not permitted. The council read a statement saying staff allowed temporary use during an ice storm for safety but would enforce zoning and state law going forward.
Supporters and clients of the organization told the council the pods and the organization’s broader services had been lifesaving. “If it wasn't for them, I'd be dead,” said Joseph Twist, who credited the group with four years of sobriety and housing. Denise Aristia, identified in the meeting as the CEO of His Humble Hands, apologized for mistakes in how the pods were used, said the pods were intended for a transitional…
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