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Homeless crisis 'evolving' in Mecklenburg County

On Flashpoint, Commissioner Pat Cotham talks about the issue of homelessness in the area.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fresh off Mecklenburg County's annual Point-In-Time count, Commissioner Pat Cotham observed new trends in the local homeless community.

"I think it's just changing. I think it's just evolving," Cotham said on WCNC's Flashpoint.

Cotham is a longtime advocate for the local homeless population, and was out during Thursday's assessment, chatting with unhoused people and gauging the size of the current homeless community.  

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"I saw more women that were homeless on the street. And they were younger women.  A few years back, I saw more older women," Cotham said.

The count helps the county assess the resources required to address the problem. Cotham praised the work of her colleagues in finding homes for people who don't have them.  

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"I'm very proud of what the county has done. And how we've partnered with, you know, like Roof Above and other groups," she said.

But she cautioned, even as more people get help, the homeless community continues to grow.

"We certainly make progress, but there's always more people joining the group," she said.

 Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on FacebookX and Instagram.

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly. 
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