Local and state leaders address concerns with crime and homelessness at town hall meeting

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF)- It was a town hall packed with dozens of community members wanting to voice their concerns—where loud angry voices could be heard at times. 

The meeting—hosted by State Representative Melissa Lackey-Oremus—was scheduled to discuss updates on the Horse Creek Valley area and the future.

But some people in Gloverville and Burnettown have not been happy with what they say is an uptick in crime involving the homeless.

At the center of the concerns is the Walking Tall Homeless Ministry. 

“There’s a homeless camp on the other side of 421, and they’re everywhere. They come through my yard, they defecate in my backyard,” one concerned resident said.

“Walking Tall. I drive by there every day, and there will be 20 crackheads out there laying out with their food, sitting around the building. You can’t put any money in it because it’ll be destroyed and they’ll rob you blind every single time. We’re sick and tired of it,” said another.

Some are calling for the ministry to be held accountable or possibly close, but opponents say the focus should be to help the ones trying to get back on their feet. 

“If your wish is granted, and Walking Tall is mandated to change how they operate or are forced to close—what’s going to be your solution to this? What support will you offer to this community to fill that gap?”

A solution some are proposing to lawmakers is a curfew for the homeless.  

“If the Sheriff and law enforcement says that’s going to keep our streets safer, then 100% I’m on board,” said Lackey-Oremus. “It’s not to punish the people that are law abiding citizens, it’s just until we can get it under control so everyone can feel safe in their homes.”

“If you put out a curfew, the homeless people are not who it’s hurting,” said Sheriff Marty Sawyer. “They’re breaking the law anyway by stealing people’s stuff if that’s what they’re doing. It’s the taxpaying citizens that may want to go out after curfew. I don’t think we’re at that point.”

The next town hall meeting won’t be until January 26th, but leaders say they’ll plan to meet and have a lot more discussions about next steps between now and then.