BRUNSWICK COUNTY,NC  A frequent question–perhaps the most frequent question–we get when we are out in the community is, how many people are experiencing homelessness here in Brunswick County?

The correct and accurate answer is that we don’t know, because we can’t count everyone, just the people we come into contact with. But this answer lacks something in its satisfaction value, so this article sets out to address some results based on just that–the people we come into contact with.

And come into contact with them we do. Our primary method of interacting with clients at Brunswick County Homeless Coalition is via our toll-free 888-519-5362 information and assistance line. Clients call us and explain their situations, and our volunteers work to find (and, hopefully, fund) a solution that helps them stay in, or move towards, safe, stable, permanent housing.

Because of this, we have records of how many clients literally had no place to sleep at night, and required emergency shelter, which can yield an average number over time (a number that seems to be trending upwards). Keep in mind that this figure doesn’t capture the actual number of people experiencing homelessness–it misses those that we were unable to find a placement for, those who were helped by other agencies (such as Brunswick Partnership for Housing, Brunswick Family Assistance Agency, Brunswick County Streetreach, and others), and, of course, it misses those who had nowhere to stay but did not get in contact with us.

The numbers are as follows: In 2022, of the 885 clients we helped, 110 were placed into emergency shelter directly by BCHC. In 2023, of the 1044 clients we helped, 98 were placed into emergency shelter. So far in 2024 (through the end of April), we’ve placed 78 clients into emergency shelter.

That is, during 2022 and 2023, an average of 8-9 clients per month–and this year, 19 clients per month–experiencing literal homelessness here in Brunswick County. Those are our numbers.

Frequently–especially close to and during tourist season–we (and the other organizations helping with emergency shelter) are paying rack rates at motels, with no special price break. This gets expensive quickly, limiting our ability to help. You can help out by donating to Brunswick County Homeless Coalition–or indeed to any of the many organizations here in Brunswick County who are helping to provide emergency shelter to those who need it most.

Thanks for your interest in this subject, one near and dear to our hearts. For more information, contact Brunswick County Homeless Coalition at 888-519-5362 or info@brunswickhomeless.com.

News from the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition

For immediate release

 

Ocean Isle Beach, NC – In recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 13-21), the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition (BCHC) will sponsor a no-contact “Soup-to-Go” event on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the Seaside United Methodist Church parking lot from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. located at 1300 Seaside Road, NW, Sunset Beach. This is a drive-through, outdoor event and will be held rain or shine. In addition to home-made soup, bread and cookies will be provided.

BCHC also is celebrating its 10^th anniversary serving Brunswick County with homelessness and remediation services. The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners honored BCHC with a proclamation on November 1, 2021 and recognized National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in the County.

BCHC is an all-volunteer non-profit organization founded in 2011. Its mission is to serve as an advocate and provide education on issues in Brunswick County and to provide resources for people who are homeless or in need.

The BCHC help-line is: 888-519-5362. The BCHC website is: http://brunswickhomeless.com.

PDF Flyer: Soup-to-go 2021 Flyer

Brunswick County Homeless Coalition
P. O. Box 7411, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
1-888-519-5362 – http://brunswickhomeless.com/

Dear Friends,

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, we offer thanks for all we have, and many choose to donate time and resources to others. In that spirit of giving, The Brunswick County Homeless Coalition (BCHC) invites the public to the eighth annual Hunger and Homeless Banquet and Soup Luncheon, November 16, 2018, from 10am-2pm, at the Brunswick Center at Calabash, 10050 Beach Dr., Calabash, NC. The doors open at 9:00am. The focus of Brunswick County’s registered event observing National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is “Making Generosity Count.” This year’s banquet is sponsored by Rotary Club of Shallotte, NC. Speakers include government officials, community leaders and individuals who have themselves faced homelessness, featuring special guest and keynote speaker Stephanie Bowen, executive director, Brunswick Family Assistance Agency.

Come learn about and contribute to solutions to homelessness. Admission is free. Tax-deductible donations are welcome. Visit our website at http://brunswickhomeless.com/ (brunswick homeless dot com) to reserve your space and help us plan. Walk-in admissions the day of the event are also welcome. The more people attending the event, the better to spread our message—so please invite (or bring) a friend.

The National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness annually sponsor Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. In 2019, during the week of November 16-24, hundreds of colleges, high schools, and community groups across the country will come together to raise awareness about the pressing issues of hunger and homelessness.

Brunswick County Homeless Coalition (BCHC) is a group of volunteers from faith-based ministries, not-for-profit organizations, local agencies and concerned citizens coming together for the greater good of Brunswick County’s homeless and in-need population: advocating, educating and providing resources for those who are homeless or in need. BCHC meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. in Shallotte, NC. We welcome your attendance and participation.

Sincerely,

Brunswick County Homeless Coalition

2019 Eighth Annual Banquet – Radio PSAs

30-second:


https://youtu.be/enaPyt-P7iU
60-second:

https://youtu.be/iJnzbFtKWoA

Are you a “people person” with good organizational skills?

Do you have strong communications skills and leadership initiative?

Do you have time to give back to your community?

The Volunteer Coordinator is a key volunteer position for BCHC. The Volunteer Coordinator:

· Maintains the membership contact list and skills inventories

· Notifies members of monthly meetings and special events via email

· Contacts and tracks volunteer assignments for events and tasks

· Communicates with the board of directors and volunteer leaders

· Attends bimonthly membership meetings

Helpful skills and experience would include:

· Creating spreadsheets

· Use of word processing programs

· Use of e-mail

To volunteer, please contact Brunswick County Homeless Coalition.

^{Updated Mon Sep 24 2018 to indicate meeting location}

Friends & Neighbors,

I hope that you are safe and comfortable after the storm that we’ve just experienced. If not, you can find information on our website at http://brunswickhomeless.com/ about ways to find assistance.

Because of storm preparation and evacuation related to Hurricane Florence, Brunswick County Homeless Coalition was not able to hold its monthly September meeting as it was scheduled. BCHC Meetings usually occur on the second Tuesday of the month.

The Brunswick County Homeless Coalition will hold our rescheduled September 2018 meeting at 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 25.

^{PLEASE NOTE: The venue for the meeting is not yet set. We are unable to confirm space at BSRI (our usual meeting location) because they are closed due to the storm until this coming Monday. As soon as we know where the meeting will be held, we will let everyone know. For now, please save the date.}

UPDATE: The venue for the meeting will be the BSRI Brunswick Center at Shallotte, 3620 Express Dr., Shallotte, NC (our usual meeting location thanks to the kindness of BSRI). Please feel free to bring water or a drink to the meeting.

You may contact me as always with any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions. If you are a member of BCHC, please let me know whether you will be able to attend the meeting.

Thanks,

Joe Staton

Brunswick County Homeless Coalition
Publicity Committee
joe@brunswickhomeless.com
Mobile: (843) 474-1821

Brunswick County Homeless Coalition
P.O. Box 7411
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
(888) 519-5362

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February 1, 2018

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release:

Who: Mike’s Garage Band
Benefiting: Brunswick County Homeless Coalition, http://brunswickhomeless.com/
Organizers: Southwest Brunswick Newcomer’s Club, http://swbnc.org/
What: Benefit Concert for Brunswick County Homeless Coalition (BCHC)
Where: BSRI facility at 101 Stone Chimney Rd, Supply, NC 28462
When: March 23rd, 2018 from 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Why: To enjoy good music and help out those less fortunate

Ocean Isle Beach, NC, February 1, 2018 — On Friday March 23, 2018 the musical fundraising evening featuring “Mike’s Garage Band” takes place at BSRI in Supply. In support of the local charity Brunswick County Homeless Coalition, this event is presented by Southwest Brunswick Newcomer’s Club.

Beer and wine will be on sale, but food will not be sold, so please bring a substantial appetizer and/or dessert to share with others at your table. For those reserving tables, coordinate who brings what to create your own feast!
Admission for the evening is $20.00 per person. All event fees minus event costs will be given to Brunswick County Homeless Coalition.

Tickets are on sale now and seating is limited. For tickets by phone, or for additional information, call Kathy Hill of SWBNC at (703) 638-4653, or visit http://brunswickhomeless.com/mikes/ to learn more.

“This is a great opportunity to experience Mike’s Garage Band, and to show your support for The Brunswick County Homeless Coalition and the services that they provide to the in-need population in Brunswick County” reports Joe Staton, representing BCHC. “We are very grateful to Mike’s Garage Band, who donate their performance to charities and those in need, and to Southwest Brunswick Newcomer’s Club for organizing the event and selecting Brunswick County Homeless Coalition to benefit.”

About the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition:

About The Southwest Brunswick Newcomers Club:

Brunswick County Homeless Coalition (BCHC) is a group of volunteers from faith based ministries, not for profit organizations, local agencies and concerned citizens coming together for the ​greater good of Brunswick County’s homeless and in need population. ​BCHC’s mission is to serve as an advocate for the homeless and those in need by increasing awareness and education of issues, and by exploring, promoting, recruiting, facilitating and providing resources to meet these needs. BCHC’s vision is to ensure that needed resources are easily accessible by the homeless and those in need in order to decrease the incidence of chronic and transitional homelessness. Find more information at brunswickhomeless.com.

The newcomers club was formed in September 2006 to assist in the social, cultural and service orientation of persons new to the southwest area of Brunswick County, North Carolina. Through a variety of activities, the club facilitates in developing new associations and friendships, as well as assisting newcomers to Southwest Brunswick County identify with their community. We also hope to promote interest in local civic, cultural, service and philanthropic programs. We are a non-profit organization that does not exert political or religious influence. More information at swbnc.org.