More than 3,000 people in Mecklenburg County are unhoused. Here are resources to help
With a housing market that has grown more uncertain and a global pandemic impacting thousands of workers in Mecklenburg County, homelessness has only gotten worse.
Last October, Mecklenburg County released a housing report that showed approximately 3,137 people in the county were experiencing homelessness. That number was up 55% from the county’s 2020 report.
In light of the discouraging figure, the county has ramped up its strategy to tackle housing instability. The work includes converting a $10 million dollar Charlotte hotel into a housing, social, and health services facility for homeless individuals.
In addition to that project, there are other resources, whether independently-provided or county-funded, found around the city. Here are some resources available in Charlotte for those in need:
Coordinated Entry
This resource is a point of entry for those wanting to be connected with a housing facility or shelter in Mecklenburg County. The process is the first step in finding county-funded shelters and serves as an assessment of a person’s situation before being matched with a resource. The process begins with a phone call to Coordinated Entry’s hotline, 2-1-1.
Homeless Resource Center
The Homeless Resource Center at 618 N. College Street in Charlotte, NC is a collaborative program that provides space to ministries and independent community organizations like “Hope Based Ministry,” “Serve Charlotte’s Homeless,” “Deep Dish Ministry,” and “Calvary Church.” These ministries and organizations use the center as a place where those experiencing hardship can be served meals. The center is closed on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. It is open on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays for dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information call (704) 684-7012.
Moore Place
This 120-unit permanent housing complex at 2400 Lucena St., Charlotte, NC, is owned and operated by Urban Ministry Center. It is the first permanent supportive housing solution to be established in Charlotte. The staff is made up of licensed mental health professionals who provide support to individuals in need, including, but not limited to, assistance in cleaning for disabled individuals. They also provide help for mental health treatment. Moore Place can be reached by phone at (980) 224-9260.
DigLit at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
The DigLit (Digital Literacy) program provided by Charlotte Mecklenburg County features a wide range of technology training and skills-development courses. Training related to social media, mobile devices, internet access, and the development of job market skills are a part of the curriculum. More information can be found at various library locations.
The Salvation Army Center of Hope
Located just north of Uptown at 534 Spratt St., Charlotte, NC, The Salvation Army Center of Hope provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and shelter diversion for women and children. The center also provides short-term shelter to an average of 340 women and children each night. Contact The Salvation Army Center of Hope at (704) 348-2560 for details.
This story was originally published March 22, 2022 at 11:43 AM.
