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Local pastors and residents urge council to address seasonal spikes in homelessness
Summary
Speakers including Lex Perry of C4 Impact and Curt Johnson told Aiken City Council that community and faith-based groups are providing shelter but warned events and rising lodging costs could displace people and worsen homelessness; they urged coordinated meetings with council and county partners to seek solutions.
Lex Perry, pastor of C4 Impact, told the Aiken City Council during public comment that his organization is operating full houses at several locations and is fielding a steady waiting list for housing assistance. He urged council to open a dialogue with faith and community groups about sheltering strategies and to consider liability and insurance barriers that limit churches’ ability to host people: "we have a full house...we're currently located on Greenville Street...we still need more help from you," Perry said.
Curt Johnson, a local resident, described a "reset" model he observed in San Francisco—"rapid enforcement, support, evaluation, and triage"—that pairs outreach and evaluation with accountability. Johnson said that the model keeps people out of jail where possible and connects those who accept help to rehab and services; he framed the approach as combining compassion with accountability. Councilmembers questioned how the model would affect criminal records and employment prospects; Johnson responded that those evaluated are not automatically jailed and that the program provides routes to treatment.
Council members acknowledged the complexity of homelessness, noting needs around mental health, substance use, and housing affordability, and several councilmembers invited continued engagement with providers. The council did not take formal action during the public comment period but indicated willingness to meet with community organizations and coordinate with county partners to address service gaps ahead of major local events.
