Homeless Woman In South Charlotte Has Neighbors Both Concerned and Upset

She’s been sitting on the sidewalk along Pineville-Matthews Road near the Arboretum for months. Some say she’s got to go, others are simply concerned for her safety. But, apparently she has refused all offers help and she’s not exactly friendly. 

One woman in a genuine act of kindness bought her breakfast recently and the sidewalk squatter "bluntly told" her what she could do with her breakfast gift. ‏ 

After dozens of complaints from Raintree residents the Raintree HOA told concerned homeowners we’ve got it "handled" and contacted CMPD. She was reportedly sleeping and spending her days behind the bushes at the Raintree entrance out of sight. The HOA asked CMPD to give her a trespass warning which resulted in her camping out on “public property” aka the sidewalk from that point on. 

Other residents have taken the "leave Brittney alone" view: "God forbid there is a homeless person in “our” neighborhood" complained one South Charlotte resident on the app Next Door. 

She has quite an assemblage of suitcases and bags that she moves about on a small metal luggage cart and her collection of "stuff" seems to have expanded over the last couple of weeks. 

Opinions among South Charlotte residents range widely, many questioning why no one has helped her while others offer up rather disparaging commentary. One recent resident pointed out (in jest) that she was recently seen buying wine and crab legs at Harris Teeter.

For some homeowners, it’s more about the outward appearance of her being on the sidewalk and being seen by people. Yet others take a more consolatory view "None of us can pass judgment unless you’ve been in her position", offered a Waverly resident.

This morning she’s moved down Pineville-Matthews Road to Calvary Church just west of Rea Road. Still sitting on the sidewalk with suitcases strapped to a small luggage cart. Holding an umbrella to shield herself from sun and rain and prying eyes.

CMPD's South Division office responded to CP's inquiry about the woman with this:

South Division community coordinators are working with CMPD’s new Community Policing Crisis Response Team (CPCRT) as well as other local mental health and substance abuse agencies to provide assistance to this person. 

Our goal in all situations like this to provide a humane and compassionate response to individuals who suffer from behavioral and/or substance abuse issues. We’ve answered numerous calls related to her and are exploring all options to find a solution to this issue. 

We’ve been in contact with many residents to keep them informed of our efforts and progress and will continue to keep them informed as new developments arise.

Neighbors have reported she is vulgar and yells at the kids walking to South Charlotte Middle School along Pineville-Matthews Road. Others say she has refused help from several agencies and local churches. 

CP's Take: Beyond blocking the sidewalk and defecating "God only knows where" as one concerned resident pointed out, her only real offense is putting Charlotte's homeless question in the middle of "South Charlotte". 

While it is easy to "feel sorry" for this woman this is clearly not a question of "affordable housing" as for this woman as it is for many homeless, this is simply a lifestyle choice. 

CMPD Advises residents not to give money or food items to homeless or panhandlers. 

Finally, as someone pointed out on "Next Door" given the number of speeding inattentive drivers on Pineville-Matthews Road the situation should "self resolve" in due time.