🌱 Permanent Housing For The Homeless + 'Kayla's Law' Proposed In NC

Good morning, friends. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Wilmington Patch newsletter — here to impart the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 82 Low: 65.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, windy and warm. High: 79 Low: 63.

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Wilmington:

1. A vote has been approved in Wilmington to put over $2.5 million towards permanent supportive housing for disabled/chronically ill homeless people, over 80 percent of which will come from federal funds. In the past 10 years, the local population of homeless individuals overall has decreased by about 26 percent, but the number of chronically ill homeless people has doubled. Many parties are happy with this decision to help, but some fear that permanent housing doesn't discourage those with drug abuse disorders. (WHQR)
2. An "Auction For Inquiry" is being held next Friday at 7 p.m. at the Historic St. Thomas Preservation Hall to help CFCI Performing Arts School obtain a new activity bus. The Cape Fear Center For Inquiry is hosting this event auctioning off artwork, travel packages, and more. There will also be live entertainment, with performing arts teacher Camille Hartley singing with Gin Fizz, a local band. (WECT)
3. A new bill is in the process of going through the North Carolina General Assembly to further support and protect domestic violence survivors. "Kayla's Act" would allow domestic violence victims to have a choice whether they want to testify in court physically or remotely based on what makes them feel more comfortable and safe. This new proposed system will encourage more women to speak up without the fear of their abuser having power over them throughout a case. Currently, Kayla's Act is set to go to the Rules Committee before the Senate floor to be passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. (WECT)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Wilmington Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Wilmington Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Wilmington:

Friday, March 24

• Laney Athletic Events Live - NFHSNetwork.com (10:00 AM)
• Kate McGarry Performs - Beckwith Recital Hall (7:30 PM)

Saturday, March 25

• Beautification Day - Castle Hayne Elementary School (9:00 AM)
• Walkathon For DJ - E. A. Laney High (10:00 AM)
• Guns N' Hoses Hockey Match - Polar Ice Wilmington (4:30 PM)
• Sunset Cruise On The Cape Fear River - Wilmington Water Tours (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Seven years ago, Wednesday Wilmington construction crews dug up a Colonial-era cannon downtown. The cannon is still being kept in the underwater archeological office in Fort Fisher. (City of Wilmington, NC Government via Facebook)
• Another highlight for Women's History Month: The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office congratulated Sgt. Pierce and the work she has done for this department and her community. Check out the County's Facebook post for more information about Sgt. Pierce and her accomplishments. (New Hanover County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• The 10th annual "Guns N' Hoses" hockey match between the Police Department versus the Fire Department is happening this weekend. The match starts at 4:30 p.m tomorrow at Polar Ice Wilmington. (Wilmington, NC Police Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll be back in your inbox soon with another update!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.