Washington, North Carolina, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Washington, North Carolina, is grappling with homelessness as community leaders advocate for a dedicated shelter. Family Promise of Beaufort County revealed nearly 500 homeless children in the area, prompting discussions about a proposed shelter. However, the Washington Board of Adjustment denied the request, raising concerns around property values and crime. As local officials engage with this pressing issue, temporary housing initiatives continue to provide some assistance for displaced individuals. The situation reflects a broader need for effective solutions to address homelessness in the region.
Washington, North Carolina is currently facing a significant challenge regarding homelessness as community leaders grapple with the need for a dedicated shelter. Family Promise of Beaufort County highlighted a staggering issue last year, reporting nearly 500 homeless children in the Lowcountry, which has raised alarm bells among local officials and advocacy groups alike.
John Trinh, the executive director of Family Promise, underscored the harsh realities of homelessness in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for resources to support this vulnerable population. Sheriff Scott Hammonds also acknowledged growing concerns regarding the movement of homeless individuals within Beaufort County, mentioning discussions with city officials about the arrival of “bus loads” of homeless residents. In early June 2025, two buses transported an estimated 40 to 80 homeless individuals to the Days Inn in Washington for temporary shelter lasting no more than three days.
The situation prompted the Washington Board of Adjustment to convene in order to address a Special Use request for a proposed homeless shelter and soup kitchen. The shelter was intended to be established on a 0.88-acre lot located at the intersection of E. 4th Street and McNair Street. However, following the discussions, the board voted 3-2 to deny the request after weighing arguments both for and against the proposed location.
Opponents of the shelter expressed various concerns, including potential negative impacts on property values, the risk of increased crime, and proximity to flood zones. On the other hand, proponents highlighted the desperate need for a shelter in Washington, given the high number of homeless individuals. Dr. Freeman Daniels, a patient navigator for the unhoused, emphasized the important role the shelter could play in assisting those experiencing homelessness.
In light of the board’s decision, James Moore, CEO of the Metropolitan Housing Community Development Corporation, expressed disappointment, suggesting that fear and biases may have influenced the outcome. In response to the denial, the applicants for the proposed homeless shelter indicated their plans to appeal the decision, seeking a re-evaluation of their case.
Rep. Keith Kidwell raised additional concerns about the implications of relocating large numbers of homeless individuals into a concentrated area without proper notification and oversight. Sheriff Hammonds, however, noted that there had been no significant increase in emergency calls related to the homeless population during the period when individuals were housed at the Days Inn.
The situation has broader implications, as over 100 medically vulnerable individuals were displaced from the Regency Inn in Fayetteville due to code violations, prompting Liaisons Community Care, a mental health agency, to arrange transport for 29 adults and 13 children to the Days Inn. This initiative provided temporary housing along with necessary support services. Unfortunately, zoning issues at the Days Inn eventually necessitated the residents’ move to The Cypress Inn and Suites in Chocowinity, where only three families currently remain. Signs of progress have been noted, with over half of those relocated receiving assistance in securing employment and sustainable housing.
As the situation continues to evolve, Washington’s community leaders and residents may need to engage in deeper discussions about the complex issues surrounding homelessness in order to foster effective solutions that serve both the homeless population and the community as a whole.
FAQ
What was the reason for the proposed homeless shelter in Washington, NC?
The proposed homeless shelter aimed to address the significant issue of homelessness in the area, as highlighted by nearly 500 homeless children reported by Family Promise of Beaufort County last year.
What were the outcomes of the Washington Board of Adjustment meeting?
The board voted 3-2 to deny the Special Use request for the homeless shelter following arguments against the location, which included concerns about property values and crime rates.
What actions are being taken to assist the homeless population in the region?
Various organizations, including Liaisons Community Care, are providing temporary housing and support services for displaced individuals, with some success in helping over half to find employment and sustainable housing.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Homeless Children | Nearly 500 reported in Beaufort County last year |
| Proposed Shelter Location | 0.88-acre lot at E. 4th Street and McNair Street |
| Board Decision | 3-2 vote to deny the Special Use request |
| Opposition Concerns | Property values, crime, and flood zone risks |
| Temporary Housing Initiative | Transportation to Days Inn and later to The Cypress Inn |
| Support Outcomes | Over half received assistance for employment and housing |
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Additional Resources
- WCTI12: Beaufort County Sheriff Addresses Reports of Homeless Population
- WITN: Washington Board Adjustment Votes No on Proposed Homeless Shelter
- Washington Daily News: Sheriff and Lawmaker Voice Concern Over Homeless Bussed in to Washington
- Island Packet: Unoccupied House Burns in Grays Hill
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Point in Time Count on Homeless
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Homelessness Statistics USA
- Google Scholar: Homelessness Solutions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- Google News: Homeless Shelters North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
