CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Community Resilience Estimate, a tool developed by the U.S. Census Bureau, identifies counties and communities that are particularly vulnerable to impacts from natural disasters. 

The Mecklenburg Housing and Homelessness Dashboard recently released a local tool based on the CRE. Nonprofits, like Project Outpour, are using it to identify which people need the most help, and where the group should put their resources.

What You Need To Know

  • The Community Resilience Estimate is a measure that identifies what communities are most vulnerable to a disaster 

  • One Charlotte nonprofit is using information from the CRE to best position resources to help more people 

  • In 2023 they provided 1,945 free showers, and in 2024, it was 2,494, which was about 28% increase

Project Outpour is a nonprofit dedicated to providing free mobile showers to individuals in need, with five shower locations around the Charlotte area every week. The data tools help the organization understand where the gaps are to be able to help more people.

“We believe that the dignity that comes with being and feeling clean is a human right, and it’s a need that every person deserves and desires to have met,” MaShonna Hughes, Chief Dignity Officer for Project Outpour, said.“We believe that the dignity that comes with being and feeling clean is a human right, and it’s a need that every person deserves and desires to have met,” MaShonna Hughes, Chief Dignity Officer for Project Outpour, said.

The nonprofit also provides hygiene products and clothing.

“In addition to hygiene supplies, we include a brand new pair of socks, t-shirt, underwear and everything is free and everything that is needed to shower we provide to our neighbors,” Hughes explained.

So far this year, Hughes expects the number of residents in need to surpass numbers from 2024. The nonprofit currently averages over 200 showers a month.

“In 2023 we provided 1,945 showers, and in 2024, it was 2,494, which was about 28% increase from what we had done in the previous year,” Hughes said.

Data from the Community Resilience Estimate helps organizations and lawmakers identify what resources are needed and where funding can be directed.

To further help the community, Project Outpour is currently fundraising for a new truck to help transport their showers. To learn more, you can visit their website.