GASTONIA, N.C. — For some out on the streets, there’s nothing worse than the looks they get from people.
“We are human beings but we get treated like monsters out here,” a homeless person told WCNC Charlotte's Tradesha Woodard. “Everywhere we go or anything we do they run us off.”
They said the looks come from people who only know their current situation - not their story.
“A lot of times you feel unwanted," another person added. "That’s why I don’t come out."
Many of Gastonia's unhoused people are preparing for some of the worst looks, as resources to help the homeless shrink.
The Salvation Army is preparing to close the doors to its Gastonia shelter. Now, it's also taking away the one thing people look forward to and need for sustenance – hot meals.
“You can’t panhandle ... do they want us to starve?”
It’s why Dwayne Burks, the director of The Gateway Gaston, along with other local leaders and churches are stepping in to help.
“It’s a crying shame that this community can't sustain a shelter,” Burks said. “We can have a place to serve them as they get pushed out because it's very clear there's an agenda there.”
Burks said there’s currently an option for dinner and lunch, so they’re focusing on ensuring folks have the most important meal of the day.
“A hot breakfast would be nice,” Burks said. “We need to get them something good and nutritious and to get them through the day."
Burks said he’s hoping something as simple is a warm meal will ensure people they’re not forgotten, hoping to inspire and look down only to help them up.
“As long as nobody gives up on us.”
The shelter and food program will end on Aug. 31. Local leaders are hoping to start up that breakfast program by Sept. 1.
To help The Gateway Gaston provide much-needed resources click here to donate.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.