Police detail expanded outreach, partnerships and weekly pickup for unsheltered residents

At the Oct. 7 council meeting, Police Chief Sharp updated the council on the drug and homeless task force’s recent activity and partnerships intended to connect unsheltered residents with services. The department has worked with Burke United Christian Ministries, the Western Piedmont Council of Governments and other county law enforcement agencies to provide weekly transport and outreach.

Chief Sharp said a Thursday pickup departs at 11 a.m. and returns at 2 p.m. to bring unsheltered individuals to Burke United Christian Ministries for meals, showers, laundry and service enrollment. He said partners are exploring funding for a broader bus route along U.S. Highway 70 that would serve multiple communities in Burke County and increase access to services housed in Morganton.

The task force has used trespass notices and enforcement to close several suspected drug houses and continues to pursue arrests and referral options; Chief Sharp reported recent arrests and seizures involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. He also described coordination with courts to pursue drug‑treatment orders as a pathway for some offenders.

Planned outreach events for Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 17–23) include a community dinner and a "Homelessness Awareness Under the Stars" event, and the task force will recognize three unsheltered people who died since the last meeting. Chief Sharp said the task force will continue monthly meetings and partner engagement.

The council heard the update and thanked staff and volunteers involved in recovery and outreach work.