With a frigid forecast ahead, Charlotte-Mecklenburg homeless shelters are stepping up. Starting early today, these shelters are expanding capacity to prepare for the extreme drop in temperatures and are expected to remain on high alert through Friday, Feb. 21. According to a recent announcement by Mecklenburg County, collaboration is key, as the county, the City of Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office (CMEMO), and local organizations like Roof Above and the Salvation Army Center of Hope pool their resources for this severe weather response.
With this increased need, operations timings are shifting. Roof Above's Day Services Center at 945 N. College St. will be active from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Block Love Charlotte’s center at 2738 N. Graham St. is set to welcome those in need between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Hearts for the Invisible Coalition aims to bridge gaps, sending out street outreach teams to homeless encampments, offering shelter details and winter weather supplies to those who may refuse the warmth of a shelter.
Shelter capacities are receiving a boost; Mecklenburg County ensures shelter space monitoring closely aligns with use rates. Men seeking refuge can turn to Roof Above at their locations on 1210 N. Tryon St. or 3410 Statesville Ave., opening their doors at 4:30 p.m. on the dot. For the women and children among our homeless population, the Salvation Army grants shelter and has augmented capacity at their 534 Spratt St. facility, available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Transportation won’t be a barrier. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) buses will transport individuals to shelters at no cost from Wednesday through Friday. Riders simply need to inform the bus driver of their destination. It’s a direct route—from the biting cold to a place of refuge, no fare required. According to an announcement from Mecklenburg County, “Riders must simply identify a designated shelter location to the driver.” It’s an efficient strategy to combat the harsh winter conditions faced by many of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
