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Safe Harbor Helpline is a local nonprofit that provides temporary emergency shelter for the homeless and unsheltered at an area motel and provides other assistance that will keep families and individuals from living on the street. 

Safe Harbor only houses those that meet the HUD definition of unsheltered which is living in an unsheltered and unsafe space. 

However, as the founder and executive director of Safe Harbor, Sally Love explained, there has been the perfect storm of events such as the frigid cold weather in January, the holidays, an increase in evictions, and those in need are staying longer which has put an increased burden on the organization. 

“Normally folks stay for a few days and we can find them shelter elsewhere, but there just aren’t any other openings right now,” said Love. “On average our monthly cost for putting these folks up in an area hotel is around $2,500. For January and the first part of February, that total skyrocketed to over $12,000. We have pretty much exhausted what we had on hand and are scrambling to raise the funds needed to keep our services going. That is why we are reaching out to the community for its financial support.”

Love added that the other ongoing issue they are faced with is the lack of affordable housing in the area. 

“Of the renters who are listed in the extremely low income bracket, there are only 40 rentals available for every 100 who are looking,” said Love. “In the low-income bracket, there are only 66 homes available for every 100 who are looking. Part of that shortage is being brought about because those who are renting can’t afford to move to a nicer place so they are staying put.”

Love said that until more grant money starts coming in, they are asking the community to lend a hand. “Checks can be made out to Safe Harbor Helpline and mailed to 303 W. 13th Street, Washington, NC 27889. “Any help is greatly appreciated,” said Love.