Charlotte prepares for influx at shelters during arctic blast

CHARLOTTE — An arctic blast is bringing frigid temperatures to Mecklenburg County, and non-profits are stepping up to help those in need avoid the winter chill.

Channel 9′s Jonathan Lowe checked in with Block Love Charlotte as they stocked up supplies at their warming station. Advocates for the unhoused say they’re most concerned when the sun goes down and temperatures drop, so they’re going to canvass camps mornings and evenings to connect with the unhoused.

They’re working to let them know it’s too cold to be on the streets, and there’s a warm place to go.

Some of those experiencing homelessness have recent memories of searching for warmth during a cold blast earlier this month.

“I didn’t want to go to the shelter because at the shelter, when I go there, I get sick,” said Frederick Susswell.

In instances of dangerously cold weather, Susswell says shelters fill up fast.

“I would try to go somewhere I can go where it’s warm, just try to stay dry,” Susswell told Lowe.

To make that search easier, Mecklenburg County is activating its extreme weather protocols through Wednesday. It allows the country to add capacity at area shelters and organizations that support the unhoused.

“We’re going to do our best measures to encourage individuals to seek shelter space,” said Deborah Phillips with Block Love Charlotte.

Phillips says despite life-threatening cold weather, some will undoubtedly try to brave it out on the street.

“I’m just recently hearing of one during this past winter event that we had, did not make it, and that’s somebody that we served,” Phillips told Lowe.

Block Love is not a shelter, but Phillips says she’s prepared to give people a warm place if they have no other.

“We can comfortably make sure that we have 50 in here on cots, if you have cots available, send them our way,” Phillips said.

She points out that while clients are here, they’re not just sitting while keeping warm.

“We are offering programs for them from our workforce development to housing navigation,” Phillips said.

It’s through this organization that Susswell says he’s not on a path to hopefully be able to one day provide his own warm shelter.

“I got a driver’s license, right now I’m in the process of getting ready to get hired on by the city. It just gives me hope, it gives me hope about the whole outcome of just being down,” Susswell said.

Phillips says some individuals trust her team enough to let them know if they are spending the night on the street. She says her group will go back through and check to make sure they all make it through the night.

As part of the country’s protocols, street outreach teams are also out looking for any unsheltered people and encouraging them to use a shelter. If they refuse, the teams are giving out blankets. CATS buses will also take people to shelter locations for free.

(VIDEO: Mecklenburg County shelters to activate extreme weather protocols)