CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In response to forecasted winter weather this upcoming weekend, Mecklenburg County leaders will be expanding shelter operations and capacity to support the needs of those experiencing homelessness.
Expanded capacity will be available through at least Sunday, January 30th, thanks to the continued work of the City of Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office, Roof Above, and the Salvation Army Center of Hope.
Officials say homeless outreach teams have been deployed to homeless encampments to encourage anyone living unsheltered to visit a shelter or provide blankets and coats if they refuse to visit a shelter.
Roof Above will operate its Day Services Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Officials say there will be limited indoor seating as well as access to restrooms, and masks will be required for entry.
In addition, officials say there will also be outdoor seating with radiated heaters.
For Men:
- Roof Above provides shelter for men and expanded capacity by adding mats at their shelters. To access this shelter, men may come on site to the Lucille Giles Men’s Shelter at 3410 Statesville Ave starting at 4:30 p.m.
For Women & Families:
- Salvation Army Center of Hope provides shelter for single women and families. During an extreme weather event, the Center expands capacity by 50 beds at its Center of Hope shelter (534 Spratt Street).
- Women and families may access this shelter by calling 2-1-1 or by going to the shelter at 534 Spratt Street between 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Transportation:
- Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) buses will transport individuals to these shelter locations free of charge from January 28 through January 30 during the day. Riders must simply identify a designated shelter location to the driver.
Mecklenburg County and its partners will continue to monitor the weather and community needs.