Charlotte Nonprofits Urgently Seek Support for Homeless Families
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As winter creeps in, nonprofits in Charlotte are raising alarm bells regarding the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness in the city. With a growing number of families without shelter, advocates are calling on the community to lend a helping hand. Jessica Lefkowitz, the executive director of Hearts for the Invisible, painted a heart-wrenching picture: “It’s literally babies sleeping outside in tents.”
The Struggle for Shelter
The situation in Charlotte has become dire. Nonprofits are struggling to accommodate families that want to stay together but find themselves having to sleep outdoors due to a lack of shelter space. The harsh reality during this time of year is that as temperatures drop, the need for safe places to stay will only increase.
“My concern in the colder months is that we’re not gonna have enough shelter to support the families,” Lefkowitz voiced her worries. Roof Above, a nonprofit that operates three shelters specifically for men in the Charlotte area, has reported over 530 beds that are consistently full. Randall Hitt, who serves as the vice president of unsheltered services for Roof Above, noted that their outreach teams are observing an alarming trend—more women and children are now living on the streets.
A Difficulty in Meeting Diverse Needs
Finding a suitable shelter for families is particularly challenging. Most shelters cater to specific demographics, like women with children or only men, making it difficult for intact families to find accommodations. Hitt stated, “We’re identifying more women and children, and I think those are the hardest beds to kind of find in our community.”
This separation creates more challenges. Families are often forced to choose between finding shelter for one or more members, and many choose to stay together and sleep outside rather than risking separation. “It makes it very, very challenging for us to help,” Lefkowitz added, surfacing a critical dilemma facing both the organizations and families in need.
Temporary Solutions and Urgent Needs
To provide some relief over the winter months, Roof Above is utilizing a program called “Room in the Inn,” which runs from December to April. This program collaborates with various congregations and churches across Mecklenburg County, allowing more people to have a warm place to stay. However, there’s a pressing need for additional partners to step up and provide shelter.
“I’m really hoping that more churches step up because we are going to need it,” Lefkowitz remarked, underlining the urgent request from the nonprofits for community involvement.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Affordable Housing
While the immediate need for shelter is critical, Lefkowitz and Hitt both recognize that a long-term solution must focus on creating more affordable housing options for low-income renters. The conversation is shifting towards sustainable solutions that will help reduce homelessness in Charlotte for the long haul.
How to Help
For those who are feeling moved to help during this tough time, Roof Above has outlined clear ways to get involved with their winter shelter program on their website. Additionally, Hearts for the Invisible is collecting sleeping bags and blankets for unsheltered individuals. If you want to contribute, simply reach out to Lefkowitz’s organization, and she will arrange for pickups or drop-offs.
As winter nears, there is an increased sense of urgency and community spirit that can significantly impact the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Charlotte. Every hand counts, every blanket helps, and every shelter partnership can make a real difference in the lives of families fighting to find a safe place to sleep.
