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Seeking Solutions: Mecklenburg County DA reviewing SC homeless court program as number of unhoused people rises

There are nearly 2,800 people currently experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County.

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather is reviewing a homeless court program recently launched in several South Carolina cities. 

"The issues that we are facing are not unique," Merriweather told WCNC Charlotte's Ben Thompson.

Recently, Merriweather visited the program in Rock Hill.  Once a month, unhoused people can go to the Pathways Community Center for the proceedings. Any participant must show they're actively seeking treatment and working to transition out of homelessness.  In exchange, a judge can wipe nonviolent charges like shoplifting or trespassing from their record.

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"A lot of those petty crimes keep you from getting housing and jobs," Jane Pittman Modla, Rock Hill municipal judge, said. 

Numbers released in June show 2,784 people are experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County, an increase of 14% since this time last year. Currently, the county has recovery courts to help those dealing with addiction, but it doesn't have a court to help the homeless specifically.

RELATED: Seeking Solutions: Gaston County pastor working to stop rising number of unhoused people

"Time is of the essence," Merriweather said.

The Mecklenburg County DA said North Carolina courts are set up differently than their counterparts in the Palmetto State. Still, he expects he'll be able to adapt parts of their homeless court program in the future.  

"It may look a lot different by the time it actually gets up and running in Mecklenburg County, but it is something that we can at least explore," Merriweather said.

Bruce Bennett is a new participant in the Rock Hill program.  Bennett got sober last fall and has been working with treatment programs.  

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"You hear of 'homeless court', you're not sure what it is," Bennet said. "And you won't know until you come in and take that first step."

Bennett cleared his record after attending homeless court and now lives in a small apartment. He's grateful for a fresh start.

"You get up, you brush yourself off and start again," he said.

Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues impacting the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.

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