Winston -Salem Community Disappointed by Homeless Camp – Yahoo

Winston-Salem, NC (WGHP)-Rening on Harmony Street in Winston-Salem say that the growing camp for homeless make their neighborhood dangerous.

Sprained tents, burned debris and piles of garbage now arrange the street, leaving homeowners disappointed and worried about their safety. Elizabeth Santiago, who has lived in the area for almost four years, says the situation has deteriorated over time.

“They have no respect for anyone. It is as if they are the tenants and we are just the visitors here, “Santiago said.

Santiago says that the camp has led to an increased criminal activity, which makes it difficult for her family and neighbors to feel safe in her own homes.

“They cross the yard and say,” I’m looking for something “and I say to them,” It’s private property, “Santiago said. “They don’t care. By the time the police get here, they were already gone. “

Residents are particularly concerned about the impact on children in the neighborhood. Santiago says he sees that drug affiliation remains on the ground, and the smell of burning debris makes it difficult to even go out.

“There are babies here … they can’t play outside. The air smells so bad that your stomach hurts, “she said.

Neighbors say they have called the city and the police many times, but the camp continues to grow.

“I go to work every morning around 4:30, and my son and husband have to make sure it is safe to leave,” Santiago said. “People here do not sleep. They are all night and that means we don’t sleep either. “

There are currently three open complaints in the city code application department regarding the camp.

Fox8 turned to the city authorities for answers to how or when they plan to deal with the situation. No clear answer has been provided so far.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material cannot be published, emitted, rewritten or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, focus on FOX8 WGHP.