Mecklenburg County will activate extreme weather protocols on Sunday as dangerously cold temperatures loom.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Mecklenburg County is activating extreme weather protocols on Sunday in response to a forecast calling for winter weather and dangerously cold temperatures. They will remain in place through at least Monday morning and include expanded capacity at area homeless shelters, according to county officials.
The county, the city of Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office, Roof Above, the Salvation Army Center of Hope and the Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition are coordinating efforts during the cold weather event. Officials said they will continue monitoring weather conditions and shelter usage throughout the activation period.
As part of the response, Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition will deploy street outreach teams to homeless encampments to encourage people living unsheltered to seek shelter. Outreach teams will also provide information on how to access shelter services. Those who decline shelter will be offered winter weather supplies, if needed.
Shelter access and expanded capacity
For men, Roof Above is expanding capacity at its shelter locations. Men can access shelter beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Roof Above, located at 3410 Statesville Ave.
For women and families, the Salvation Army is providing expanded shelter capacity at its location at 534 Spratt St. Women and families can arrive between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Transportation
Charlotte Area Transit System buses will provide free transportation to designated shelter locations from Sunday through Monday. Riders must tell the driver which shelter they are traveling to.
How to help
Community members interested in helping can donate through the following organizations: