Collaborative efforts shed light on homelessness and drug issues in Valdese

When Valdese Police Chief Marc Sharpe began on March 25, the extent of the homelessness and drug crisis was unclear, but with recent collaborative work, they have some answers.

The chief came before the Valdese Town Council on Monday, Aug. 5, to give an update on the Drug and Homelessness Task Force’s ongoing work to understand the crisis better. Since their initial meeting in March, the task force has had five meetings.

“Earlier on, there seemed to be some confusion as to whether the homelessness issue in our community was actually an issue,” Sharpe said. “I can now provide you some real numbers as our officers are working hand-in-hand with the Western Piedmont Council of Government’s Homeless Response Team who have hit the streets to locate and identify our homeless and our resources.”

In two ride-along sessions, Sharpe reported that they have identified 18 individuals who are homeless.

Of those original 18, the status of four has changed:

• Two have been placed in homes
• One has been placed in a job
• One has committed suicide

“It is estimated that we’re closer to having between 30 and 40 homeless in our community,” Sharpe said. “We’d made contact with about half of our existing homeless population. The COG continues to reach out to those identified to help offer the services on a constant basis.”

WPCOG and officers identified obstacles that impede their ability to help homeless individuals:

• Homeless individuals are unable to keep track of time or don't have a cell phone.
• The five WPCOG members assigned to three surrounding counties are stretched thin.
• Lack of transportation to resources like Burke United Christian Ministries and the Outreach Center to receive food, hygiene resources, laundry, and counseling services.

Additionally, Councilwoman Heather Ward (task force member) is trying to provide a “safe zone meeting place” at Jethro’s Community and Discipleship Center, located at 209 Church St. NW in Valdese. Additionally, the task force is currently working on organizing a weekly bus trip from Jethro’s to those centers.

During his time as chief, police officers have issued 190 criminal charges with 83 of those issued to homeless individuals. Those offenses include larceny, damage to property, communicating threats, possession of stolen goods, and so on.

To address some of the crimes, the department is collaborating with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office on securing vacant properties marked as problematic. One property, 1403 Carolina St. SE, now has a no-trespassing sign outside and will be periodically checked for unauthorized people.

Equipping themselves with Narcan, Valdese officers have also been trained and ready to tackle the overdose issue.

“These are multifaceted problems that need to be addressed from many angles and as you can see, we are developing partnerships to work hand in hand with the VPD to combat these issues,” Sharpe said.

NEW INTERIM TOWN MANAGER

When the clock turns 5:01 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, Assistant Manager/CFO Bo Weichel’s title will change to Interim Town Manager.

The announcement was made after Councilman Paul Mears asked to amend the Monday, Aug. 5, meeting agenda to add the consideration of an interim town manager.

His appointment will allow Interim Bryan Steen to fully retire since extending his leave from June 28. He initially gave his notice back on May 8.

Steen has been serving in that capacity since Jan. 2. Steen’s departure is timed to comply with the state retirement system guidelines and not impact his retirement pension.

As interim town manager, Weichel will serve as the Town’s representative on the Burke Development Inc. (BDI) Board, the Valdese ABC Board, and the Valdese Economic Investment Corporation (VEDIC). He will assume all town manager duties until a permanent town manager is hired.

Valdese staff and council are currently interviewing applicants found through the executive search firm Baker Tilly.

Watts said that the town does not plan to hire a deputy finance officer to share Weichel’s workload, previously recommended by Steen in his notice.

After the meeting, various town employees and residents went to Weichel to offer a few celebratory words.

"I'm excited for the Town. There's a lot of good things happening. I'm going to carry on and make sure things continue to roll forward," Weichel said after his appointment.

OLD ROCK SCHOOL

The Old Rock School renovations are in the final home stretch and have received over 70% of the fundraising goal.

The flooring, seating, painting, and restrooms are completed and the full improvements will be finished soon.

The Historic Valdese Foundation has received around $105,842 out of its $150,000 goal. Their campaign will conclude on Sept. 15.

Contributions can be made online to the GoFundMe “Rock School Renovations” or by check to Historic Valdese Foundation - PO Box 655 Valdese, NC 28690.

OTHER NEWS

Established at the June 3 meeting, the Merchants Advisory Committee now has seven local business owners who will collaborate to attract more visitors to the town and its businesses.

Those committee members are:

• Eddie Jolly - WSVM Radio
• Kevin Farris - Farris Insurance
• Sandra Walker - Dolls & Design by Sandi
• Danny Glenn - Twin Brother’s Pizza
• Brian Thompson - 100 Main
• Lindsey “Otter” Browning - Manager of Highlands Butchery
• Heather Ward - Valdese Town Council