CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In response to a second blast of winter weather, Mecklenburg County leaders will be expanding shelter operations and capacity to support the needs of those experiencing homelessness.
Since Saturday, January 15th, shelters across the county have expanded their capacity and access as the first winter storm of the year hit and temperatures remained low.
Officials say shelters will continue to maintain expanded capacity to accommodate those in need of shelter from the extreme weather forecasted for the region this coming weekend.
Expanded capacity will be available through at least Sunday, January 23rd, 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 since January 15th to encourage anyone living unsheltered to visit a shelter or provide blankets and coats if they refuse to visit a shelter.
Those teams will continue to work with those experiencing homelessness to inform them of all resources available.
Mecklenburg County leaders say they will continue to closely monitor shelter utilization.
Check out the available resources below:
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 Menβs Shelter at 3410 Statesville Ave starting at 4:30 pm.
- Roof Above will operate its Day Services Center from 9 a.m. β 4 p.m. There will be limited indoor seating as well as access to restrooms. Masks will be required for entry. In addition, there will also be outdoor seating with radiated heaters in a manner that meets Mecklenburg County Public Health guidelines.
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. β 8:30 p.m.
Transportation:
- Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) buses will transport individuals to these shelter locations free of charge from January 20 through January 23 during the day. Riders must simply identify a shelter location to the driver.
