Homelessness can occur due to loss of job, inability to pay rent, or other changes in circumstances.  It affects both individuals and families.  Fortunately, there are organizations working to help those in need.  Brunswick County STREETREACH is a 100% volunteer ”boots on the ground” organization, handling immediate needs.  They build relationships and provide 24/7 referral & support services for homeless people in the local area. They provide a short term sheltering option, working with churches and through hotel gift vouchers to provide safe and warm sleeping accommodations to provide a brief respite.   For families they also can provide clothing, diapers, formula, etc. If you would like to help, these are their ongoing needs:  Gas cards, fast food gift cards, Walmart gift cards, sleeping bags, blankets, diapers (size newborn-size 6 and toddler pullups), diaper wipes, baby food, Straight Talk Wireless gift cards, towels, washcloths, Lysol spray, air freshener, coffee, Gatorade, cases of water, breakfast bars, fruit cups, and instant grits/oatmeal.  Monetary donations can be mailed to:  STREETREACH, P.O. Box 1331, Shallotte, NC, 28459.  Donations can be dropped off at 1009 Hewett Rd SW, Supply, NC. Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BCStreetreach

For longer term solutions, the Brunswick Partnership for Housing is working to provide transitional housing and support programs.  They recently purchased a house near Dosher Hospital and will be renovating it to accommodate four apartments, as well as a family area, playground and garden.  This will provide families nine to eighteen months of housing as well as a concrete action plan to move them from homelessness to home security. Currently they need donations to support the renovation process.  For more information about the ongoing capital campaign and to contribute, you can donate online:  https://www.brunswickpartnership.org/  or by mail:  BPH 4891 Longbeach Rd SE, Suite 3-#311, Southport, NC 28461