Charlotte Shelters Implement No-Turn-Away Policy Amid Arctic Blast

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Wednesday night, shelters in Mecklenburg County were at-capacity. We are told no one was turned away from the Men’s Shelter or Salvation Army Center of Hope.

“I think if people saw what I see, they may think differently,” says County Commissioner Pat Cotham.

Cotham spent the night handing out sweaters and blankets to those in need. She worries for the homeless and wonders if enough is being done to help them.

“You know, when it’s dark and you know, you’re by yourself, it can be pretty scary,” Cotham says.

County leaders faced criticism last year for waiting to open warming centers. They said policy meant they had to wait for sustained wind chills of 10 degrees over a 24-hour period.

“Anybody coming, regardless of the time, even if it’s late tonight. We can offer a mat to them,” says Randall Hitt, with the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte.

Hitt says while some homeless people are hesitant to come to a shelter, they are sending out people to let them know it’s available.

“They really need to be indoors and so we encourage them to come to the shelter system,” Hitt says.

Cotham says she’ll keep collecting donations and handing out items to keep people warm.

“I don’t want to hear that somebody died. I don’t want that,” Cotham says.