Extreme Weather: Update on Mecklenburg County Homeless Shelters, Closures, and Service Changes

Trees covered in snow and ice.

In response to the extreme winter weather and cold temperatures forecasted, activation of extreme weather protocols will begin Saturday evening, Jan. 24, and last at least until the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 27. Extreme weather protocols include additional capacity at area homeless shelters, potential warming shelters, County service and office hour changes, and facility closures.

Homelessness Support

Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office (CMEMO), Roof Above, the Salvation Army Center of Hope, and Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition are working together to support the needs of people experiencing homelessness. The partners are also preparing for potential widespread power loss and identifying emergency shelter locations for residents across Mecklenburg County who lose power.  

Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition will continue to deploy street outreach teams to homeless encampments to encourage anyone living unsheltered to visit a shelter and to provide information on how to access shelter. Individuals declining shelter will be provided winter weather supplies, if needed.  

Expanded homeless shelter capacity and access is available during this period of extreme weather. Mecklenburg County and the shelters will closely monitor shelter utilization.

For Men: Roof Above provides shelter for men and expanded capacity at its shelter locations. Men may arrive at Roof Above at 3410 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

For Women and Families: The Salvation Army provides shelter for women and families with expanded capacity at its shelter location. Women and families may arrive at the shelter at 534 Spratt Street, Charlotte between 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Transportation: Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) buses will offer rides to these shelter locations during this period. Riders must simply identify a designated shelter location to the driver.

How to Help

County Service Updates

Supervised Visitation/Safe Exchange: The Supervised Visitation/Safe Exchange program through the Department of Community Support Services has cancelled all visits scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25. All exchanges scheduled for Friday/Sunday pick up and drop off are cancelled. All week-to-week exchanges will be rescheduled for Friday evening or Saturday morning between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.  

Solid Waste and Recycling: Full-service recycling centers and the William R. Davie recycling center will close to customers Saturday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. and reopen as conditions allow.

Park and Recreation: All recreation and senior centers, parks, nature preserves, and nature centers:

  • Early closure on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m.
  • Closed Sunday, Jan. 25

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: All library locations:

  • Early closure on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m.
  • Closed Sunday, Jan. 25 

Any additional Mecklenburg County service changes or closures/delays for the week of Jan. 26 will be determined and announced by Sunday, Jan. 25.

Be Prepared and Stay Safe 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management is providing information for residents to prioritize safety during extreme winter weather, including preparation, carbon monoxide, road safety, downed trees and limbs, pets, and more. Residents are encouraged to take extra steps to prevent frozen pipes.

Get Alerts: Sign up for CharMeck Alerts to receive emergency alerts by text, phone call, and/or email. Residents can sign up online.  

Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.  

Call 3-1-1 for questions about City of Charlotte or Mecklenburg County services.

  • When to call 911: For serious, unexpected, and dangerous situations requiring immediate action that may result in personal injury or property damage. Examples: medical emergency, downed power lines, downed tree blocking a road.
  • When to call 311: For information on public service impacts, clogged storm drains, downed trees not affecting public safety.

Utilities