CHARLOTTE, NC – Camping out on the cold ground is what some nonprofits are trying to avoid for homeless families ahead of winter weather.

• Shelter Wish List
• For more details and information email innkeeper@urbanministrycenter.org

Some shelters are already operating close to capacity. Urban Ministry center's "Room in the Inn" program gets churches to provide overnight housing to the homeless.

The program provides a bed for the night, dinner, and breakfast.

“Our neieghbors are super excited that they're able to get into a shelter,” program director Ashley Brown says. “They love having some of the home-cooked meals. They enjoy having the fried chicken and different dishes that their mother and grandmother used to cook."

Guests are bused to their temporary housing each night, but then have to leave by 6:30 a.m. each morning.

Guests just need a North Carolina state ID to get services. If they don’t have an ID, they can start the process to apply for an ID for free.

Organizers say they’re taking donations for hats and gloves. You can see their wish list here or email INNKEEPER@URBANMINISTRYCENTER.ORG.

Check out shelter services here:

Men’s Shelter of Charlotte: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Weekdays)
1210 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 334-3187

Salvation Army Center of Hope: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday thru Thursday); 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Fridays)
534 Spratt Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 348-2560

Urban Ministry Center: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Weekdays)
945 N College Street, Charlotte, NC 28206