A Swift Community Response When severe thunderstorms collapsed the roof of our primary unsheltered services building, the Hub, some services were available within hours. But the shower and laundry facilities built into the Hub were harder to replace. Our neighbors experiencing homelessness count on our Day Services Center (DSC) to offer showers and laundry as a source of hygiene and …
When severe thunderstorms overnight on July 7 damaged and closed the Hub building at our Day Services Center, we were determined to continue providing essential services to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Our team swiftly began relocating staff and services to the Depot Building, also at 945 N. College Street. The Hub was constructed to be our primary services building, including …
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 7, 2026 Severe Storm Damage Roof Above’s Day Services Center, located at 945 N. College Street, remains open for services despite major storm damage overnight on July 7th, 2026 that damaged our primary services building. That building, known as “the Hub”, will be closed until further notice. Staff are working quickly to migrate services to the adjacent …
Kay Ethridge is a powerhouse of compassion. An accomplished artist, mother, and philanthropist, Kay began volunteering at Roof Above in 2002, with her two kids and a kiln in tow. Evidence of Kay’s impact is sprinkled throughout Roof Above campuses, through ceramics dotting our walls and brightening our days. Her work started with a grant from her church, Myers Park …
Rainbow Express Ministries is a day program for young adults with disabilities, and their CEO Lori Little says “The time we have we have together, we like to spend building meaningful, impactful lives.” The group devotes every Wednesday to community service. One way they do that is by making 400 sandwiches a month for Roof Above’s Operation Sandwich program. One …
Mr. Mood calls his last name, “a calling,” as when stepping inside his barbershop, “Mood’s Mobile Grooming,” a gold tiled, impeccably decorated van, it is impossible to be in a bad mood. Every other Wednesday, Mr. Mood drives his van to the Howard Levine Shelter, razor and good vibes in tow. When describing his van, Mr. Mood says, “It’s my …
Summit For Shelter: A creative fundraiser to support Charlotte’s nonprofits 11 men. 6 months of physical training. 1 week of intense hiking, with a grueling 13-hour climb to the summit. 226 people contributing to the “Summit for Shelter” fundraiser to raise close to $100K for Roof Above and another Charlotte-based nonprofit. Added together, a huge reminder that, according to Casey Rentch: “It’s …
For men whose path out of homelessness is employment, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a little bit of luck. According to Roman philosopher Seneca, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” In the past, the Tryon Street and Statesville Avenue men’s shelters responded to high demand by increasing capacity, beds close together and mats on the floors. Warm and dry …
“911, do you need Police, Fire or Medic?” “I need an ambulance for a man who says he is having chest pains.” Not a typical Room In The Inn night at Avondale Presbyterian Church. Jim, the overnight host, had noticed that Walter had enjoyed his dinner and conversation but was now moaning in the men’s room. Jim wanted to respect …
Although Giovanni works in 90-degree heat rolling fiber for twelve hours each evening, his attitude remains surprisingly positive. Mostly because, as he says, he is “in charge of my own life.” He didn’t always feel that way. After his family lost their home to eviction, Giovanni eventually found himself in our Statesville Shelter. For over two years. During that time, …
What is the backbone of Room In The Inn? It is our host sites. RITI would not exist without the involvement of our host sites which provide a home where our neighbors can feel safe, have a hot meal and most important … be treated as they deserve— as a member of the Charlotte community. This month, Holy Comforter let …
Earlier this summer, the ArtWorks945 studio engaged with community members to paint our campus benches. Artists designed their own bench and were encouraged to lead our guests in implementing their designs. It was a creative and empowering moment for our artists and volunteers, helping to bridge the gap between the housed and unhoused. You’ll find all the benches at our …
As a Room In The Inn volunteer, I worked with Andy and his forever friend, Sandy. The following is Andy’s story as I know it. When I walk down the street, no one will look me directly in the eye. Are they thinking I will ask for money or are they afraid of me? Do they think my clothes look …
Room In The Inn helps people experiencing homelessness by coordinating emergency shelter in partnership with faith organizations during the winter months. .. but this story is not about statistics or the number of homeless individuals that have been helped by this program. It is about the people. Over the next few months, you will hear about Room In The Inn …
We heard lots of stories about Dale Mullennix before he worked his last day on Friday, May 17. And although Dale is a man of awards and great accomplishments, most recently receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from the State of North Carolina, what we heard most often last week was the advice he had given many …
We are committed to housing Charlotte’s most vulnerable population, those experiencing chronic homelessness—those who are most likely to die on the streets. We meet hundreds of people at our College Street campus each day, and our Neighbor Services team works to connect people with the basic services, referrals, and housing assistance they need. But, there are many who never walk …
When she saw the sign on the door, “Welcome Home, Sharon,” she began to cry. Sharon Davis had never had her own place before that moment. A space where she could calm down, reset and care for herself. Sharon moved in to Moore Place shortly after it opened in 2012. Two years later in a HousingFest interview with Executive Director …
Neighbors using Room In The Inn (RITI) this season ranged in age from 5 months old to 89 years old, and that’s really the story of RITI and our community. As affordable housing continues to be out of reach for so many, we are seeing increased numbers of families and older adults. A single man arrived with his 7-month old …
Every Friday, I walk into Moore Place and am greeted by a hug and smile from Von. Chances are that if you’re a regular Moore Place visitor, you’ve been greeted similarly. In addition to feeling welcomed, the time I have reading with Von and our co-book club leader, Meredith, serve as a quiet respite after what always seems to be …
Diversity, community, and storytelling have become common buzzwords as of late. Flying around, circling in, out, and through our conversations. And for good reason. The power that comes through putting these words into action can create lasting change. On March 2nd, at Urban Ministry Center, these three words came to life through the power of art. Local artist Edwin Gil, …
Cleo is a 60-year-old, petite woman, with dark skin, eyes that sparkle and a smile that can’t help but make you do the same. Her vivacious personality, although it gets her into trouble at times, is magnetic. She is a force. When she enters a room it is impossible to not give her your undivided attention. Her voice can bring …