Whiteville’s growing homeless population is leading to some conflicts with downtown business owners.
“It’s not against the law to be homeless,” said Police Chief Paul Rockenbach. “It’s not illegal to walk down the street, even if your clothes don’t look as nice as someone else’s. It’s not illegal to be on public property.”
Police have received an increasing number of calls about homeless persons throughout the city. In the downtown area, police have received complaints about people accessing water spigots and electrical outlets in The Alley and elsewhere.
Rockenbach said that business and property owners can tell individuals to leave their property and prohibit use of outside utilities if they belong to the business.
If someone refuses to leave your property, or if they are using the water and power that you pay for without your permission, you can make them leave,” he said. “If they refuse, then you can call 911 and we will handle it.”
“We don’t have a problem when people call us with a concern,” Rockenbach said. “But we need to hear about the concerns directly before we can do anything and find a possible course of action.”
Whiteville has no permanent homeless shelter. Facts of Life Church operates an emergency shelter with meals during inclement weather, but no year-round facilities or programs exist here. Established homeless camps are located in several parts of the city, including behind the CVS store at J.K. Powell and Washington Street, near Walmart and in several locations on the west side.
Whiteville Police recently arrested three homeless people on multiple charges after a squatter’s camp was discovered with garbage, illegal fires, feces and other violations. Firefighters have also been called to several spots in the city where homeless people are camping and lighting fires. That encampment was discovered by the property owner and called in to police.
The chief said the city has also received complaints of people washing at outside water points and has had contact with some of the homeless using the spigots.
“It’s not against the law for someone to wash their hands or get a drink of water on public property,” he said. “Now, if someone is removing their clothes in public and bathing, there could be a violation. But just being there is not against the law if they are on public property, unless there are specific hours posted.”
Property owners concerned about unauthorized usage of utilities should secure outside faucets, spigots and outlets, he said. Vacant buildings should also be locked. Rockenbach encouraged anyone with questions to call the police department.
“We want to help these folks get the assistance they need and deserve,” he said. “If folks will call us, we’ll make contact with the individuals and check on them, but they can’t just be arrested or run out of town for being out in public.”
