Winston-Salem neighbors unhappy with homeless encampments

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — Residents in a Winston-Salem neighborhood are unhappy about homeless encampments in their area and are frustrated by what they view as a lack of response from city officials.

The area along Cloister Drive and Buchanan Street has seen a rise in encampments behind the sound wall that separates the community from Interstate-40. Despite efforts to address the issue, residents say their complaints to local officials and the mayor’s office have gotten them minimal results. The state installed “No Trespassing” signs, but the signs have been largely ignored.

Kenneth Garland, who has lived in the area for 35 years, says the neighborhood has changed drastically.

“It doesn’t even resemble what I moved into 35 years ago,” Garland said.

He has taken photos showing trash, makeshift tents and people drinking and smoking in the area, which all violate the posted signs.

“I don’t want that beside my house where I live. We pay taxes, and the people in the city of Winston-Salem deserve better,” Garland said.

Garland says he has repeatedly contacted local officials but has yet to receive the assistance he needs. This has led him and others to consider relocating.

“My son lived next door to me, and they moved out. They didn’t feel safe here, especially with small kids around,” Garland added.

As conditions worsen, Garland hopes for quick action to address the crisis before the neighborhood’s quality of life deteriorates further.

“They have taken over the community. They come by here, throw their finger up, cuss and go on. You just have to learn to ignore it if you can,” Garland said.

The mayor’s office responded with a three-step plan: working with property owners to pursue trespassing violations, engaging with individuals in the encampments to connect them with services and coordinating with police to remove the encampments and clean the area.

For further details, the mayor’s office referred inquiries to the city’s housing director.

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