GLOVERVILLE, S.C. () – Some living in Burnettown and Gloverville are speaking up after making big accusations against a local homeless ministry.
Questions are arising about Walking Tall Ministry and their operations, but the primary concern is about what they aren’t accomplishing for the homeless community.
Having been established in Gloverville for nearly a decade, the ministry is facing criticism for the lack of improvement regarding the homelessness issue.
“Homelessness is increasing steadily, and their lack of assistance is evident,” stated Jennifer Morris. “In fact, crime rates are escalating, and more homeless individuals are appearing. So, if their mission is to help the homeless, how exactly are they achieving that?”
Morris initiated a meeting for concerned citizens over the weekend, bringing together community members worried about the rising crime and homelessness in the area.
“I previously owned a business in the bath area, but experienced issues like theft and loitering by the homeless, leading to its closure without sufficient law enforcement support,” explained Laura Casdorph.
They’re accusing the ministry of misappropriating funds, and moving homeless people into Aiken County from different parts of the country.
While the director says the accusations are false, they stem from scuffles with those living nearby in the past.
“There are a few individuals in the community who have always opposed what we do. They dislike homeless people and those struggling with addiction,” said Zak Moyer. “These individuals may use any excuse to target the ministry with the ultimate aim of shutting it down.”
We asked Morris and other community members if they dislike homeless people, as Moyer claimed.
“No, I don’t. But I also don’t want them to be enabled. They need to be working towards something for themselves,” she said. “As far as drug addicts, the father of my kids and ex-husband actually died of a drug overdose. So, I have a special place in my heart for those people being rehabilitated.”
Community members are now looking to law enforcement and state representatives to take action.
Some are proposing the idea of a curfew to keep the homeless off the streets late at night.
“I don’t know if a curfew is the answer or not, and does the curfew punish normal community citizens,” said Bubba Moyer. “We’re always worrying about the rights of the addict and the homeless—what about the taxpayers? Who’s working for them?”
They’ll have a lot more to say next week, as a town hall meeting at Aiken Tech is set for October 6th.
