Gaston County prepares to conduct annual homeless census

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Rents are on the rise in every corner of our region, including Gaston County.

According to county officials, the average rent there is $1,300 -- driving people out of their homes.

This comes as the county gets ready to do their annual homeless census.

A team of 20 volunteers will hit the streets Tuesday looking for those who are unhoused and sheltered. Officials said the count will be extremely important because the numbers will determine how much federal assistance the county gets to help those who are unsheltered in Gaston County.

The volunteers packed comfort bags Tuesday with valuable items for people living on the street.

They’re important because there’s only one day-shelter and one night-shelter operating in the county. Resources are strained for people with no home and no help.

Advocates said that during the pandemic, there were a lot of people who suddenly found themselves without a home for the first time. They believe we may have twice as many people who are unhoused, than before the pandemic.

“Priced out of homes. Right now in Gaston County, there is not a property for rent under $885 a month. We have a lot of people living on $600/$700 a month,” advocate Dwayne Burks said.

Those who are unhoused marched to the Gastonia City Hall Tuesday asking for a for immediate help.

“Sometimes we lack resources,” said Marcus Witherspoon, unsheltered. “That stuff, right there, causes us to lack hope.”

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