WCCB Charlotte s CW
February 25, 2021
CHARLOTTE, NC – A week after the removal of the north end encampment, there is another tent grouping growing.This time off of Music Factory Blvd near the highway 277 overpass.
“Un-sheltered homelessness has existed in Mecklenburg County for several years, it’s just been mostly hidden,” said Randall Hitt with Roof Above.
He says they’ve been working to coordinate resources for people who were recently removed from the north end encampment.
“It doesn’t surprise me that there are other encampments in our community,” explained Hitt.
The growth of another visible tent city was something expected as overflow from the north end encampment spilled out.
They know they can get up in the morning and just walk to resources,” Woolard said.
Randall Hitt with the organization Roof Above said they do have 19 shelter openings, but find some don’t use them. We find varying reasons why people may not choose to access shelter, Hitt said. To name a few of the most prevalent: struggles with mental health challenges might make it more difficult to sleep near others in a shelter environment; concerns about COVID-19 virus might make an outdoor environment more appealing; the structure of a shelter setting might be difficult when someone is in the cycle of substance use.
Pandemic wearing NC nonprofits thin
Organizations providing food assistance to North Carolinians experience higher demand as unemployment increases.
Staff and volunteers pack food at the MANNA FoodBank in Asheville. Photo courtesy of MANNA
By Brennan Doherty, Carolina Public Press
December 18, 2020
This story was originally published by Carolina Public Press.
Though 2020 has posed challenges for direct services organizations, their leaders share a resilient message: “We’re not going anywhere,” said
Laura Rice, communications and media manager at the Raleigh-based Interfaith Food Shuttle.
For many in need in North Carolina, the commitment of nonprofits addressing food insecurity is welcome and sometimes lifesaving news.