CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two nonprofit organizations partnered to host a coat drive for homeless neighbors ahead of frigid temperatures.

What You Need To Know

  • Roof Above and Crisis Assistance Ministry are providing free coats to the homeless

  • Roof Above and The Salvation Army are expanding shelter capacity to accommodate more people during frigid temperatures over the weekend

  • Charlotte Area Transit buses will give free rides to shelters during the day

Roof Above and Crisis Assistance Ministry had nearly 300 free coats for people in need Thursday morning. 

James Scott, who doesn’t have a home at the moment, lined up to get a coat. 

“I’m looking for a jacket to stay warm and [hope] everybody can have a nice Christmas,” Scott said. 

Roof Above’s vice president of communications Melinda Wilshire said the frigid temperatures prompted the group to have the event. 

“Folks here today are staying at our shelters or they are staying outside or they are utilizing our Room in the Inn program. We want them warm during the day and getting them a warm place to sleep at night,” Wilshire said. 

According to Wilshire, Roof Above has 500 shelter beds. The group added 175 spaces due to expected winter weather. 

“We want to make sure people stay safe and healthy,” Wilshire said. 

Scott, who drove tractor-trailers for almost 40 years, stays at the shelter. He said two and a half years ago the house he lived in burned to the ground. 

The 72-year-old is grateful he survived.  

“Look where I am today. Tell me God isn’t good,” Scott said. 

Aside from the jacket, Scott and other neighbors in need received gloves, hats and toiletries. 

Scott is thankful for the help and continues focusing on the positive he currently has in his life. 

Related Stories

Wilshire said people who needed coats at the event received them. The group set aside coats for women and children who may be spending the night at churches this weekend, as part of their Room in the Inn program.

According to Mecklenburg County officials, Roof Above’s Day Services Center will remain open until 4 p.m. from Friday through Sunday. 

In addition, the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope Shelter for Women and Children expanded its capacity due to the extreme weather. To access shelter, women and families may call 211 or go to the shelter at 534 Spratt St. between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

Charlotte Area Transit System buses will be providing free rides to people to go to the shelter during the day.