Weather & Economy Affecting Demand for Shelters

Last night, WCNC aired this story on how the weather and economy are affecting the demand for homeless shelters in Charlotte. Cold temperatures have arrived in Charlotte earlier than usual and combined with economic uncertainty and a housing crisis, this means increased demand for local homeless shelters.

Tony Burbeck reports:

At the Charlotte Rescue Mission, hot meals cooked here then given to the Emergency Winter Shelter for men are up 30 percent.

"Sometimes it becomes harder for people that are in crisis to either get jobs or hold onto jobs,” said Rev. Tony Marciano.

It's important to realize two things about Charlotte Rescue Mission. While we are affected by the economy and to some degree the weather, our beds stay full year round. We always have a waiting list. But on the other hand, as WCNC reported, we do feel the increased demand of food preparation this time of the year because we prepare the meals for the Emergency Winter Shelter.

Like anyone else, the economic impact for us can be significant. We rely entirely on private donations as we do not accept any government or United Way funding.

What Happens to Clients After CRM?

We're often asked about our clients and what happens to them after they complete the program. Our supporters are thrilled to learn that after a year, over 70% are still living a clean and sober life. But the statistics can't reflect the stories we see every day behind the scenes - the ones that aren't necessarily publicized.

Just the other day, a former client stopped by the mission (this happens regularly). Graduating from Rebound in the late 90s, he is now a successful businessman with his masters degree. In fact, he is currently working on his Ph. D.

It's not every day that a former client walks in but it does happen and we're always excited to learn about the success they have gone on to achieve.

Chicken Soup for the Charlotte Soul

Beginning this week, Rev. Marciano is giving a series on our CrossPath radio ministry called "Chicken Soup for the Charlotte Soul". In these uncertain times, it is important to remind ourselves that God is still in control. Click here to listen online.

Hope for the Hungry 2008

Our theme this holiday season is "Hope for the Hungry, Hope for the Holidays". You may have seen it in one of our letters or on our web page. Here are some of the items we need and some of the ways you can help us provide "hope for the hungry" in 2008.

(Click for larger image)

Auction Items Preview

Time is running out to get your tickets for this year's charitable auction to be held on Saturday, October 25 at the Wachovia Atrium at 6:00 PM.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets online or call Lynn Swisshelm at 704-334-4635 x256.

Here are just some of the incredible items that will be up for bid:

• Weekend at Private home High Meadows Golf & Country Club in Roaring Gap NC
• Be a Star! Throw the first pitch at a Knights game and enjoy the evening with friends in their 14 seat skybox at Knights Stadium with bottomless snack foods and drinks included.
• African Photo Safari for two, 6 days/nights with all accommodations (airfare not included)
• The Culinary Institute of America's 50 Piece Master's Collection
• Handyman for a Day!!
• One week stay at Xanadu II Oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach. and foursome for 18-holes of golf at International World Tour Golf Complex in Myrtle Beach SC
• Be a Star! Two are invited to a practice of the 2008 Carolina Panthers and receive a Panther football signed by Julius Peppers.
• 3 Night Stay at Leatherwood Mountains Resort
• Beautiful 18 Carat White Gold Dove Pendant & Chain
• Five Nights at Beautiful 2BR St. Simon Island Condo, St. Simon's Island, GA
• Dinner for Eight Delivered to Your Door once a month for six months.
• XBOX 360 Elite System, Office Ultimate Software, remote control airplane, tools . . .
• One week at Beautiful Isle of Palms Beach house - 5 br 5 1/2 ba easy walk to beach, massive rooftop deck, large covered front and back porches, 4 car garage, 3 stop elevator, in-ground private pool & hot tub, gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors, outdoor entertaining area with gas grill, laundry facilities, gas fireplace in 1st floor living area and master br, flat screen tvs and cable in each bedroom, linens and towels provided.
• Be a Star! - Take your family of four to Disney – Airfare for two, four one-day park hopper passes and fabulous lodging for three nights at Star Island Resort.
• Night Out on the Town! You and five friends enjoy the luxury of a limousine and $200.00 dinner gift certificate at Nobles Restaurant
• Pastel Mink Coat Fur
• 2 Club level seats at Charlotte Bobcats game and Autographed Jersey by Emeka Okefor.
• Sapphires & Diamonds – four gorgeous pieces of jewelry – pendant, ring, bracelet and earrings.
• Monday Night Football – Live – 5 upper level tickets for Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Dec. 8, includes tailgating parking
• Sexy in Queen City – Night of pampering for six ladies
• And much more . . . tickets to performances, fabulous child’s birthday package, fantastic gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates, hotel stays, Carolina Panthers 2003 Superbowl team signed football, three to play golf with Colin Branch former Panthers .. . . . something for everyone!!!!

We Need Turkey & Ham For Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving day, our doors will open to hundreds of homeless and destitute men and women who have nowhere else to celebrate this holiday. They won't stand in line to receive a bowl of soup though - they'll be seated by a volunteer maitre d' at a table covered with white linen and folded napkins. They'll be served by volunteers who'll bring them a warm plate of food, a cold drink and a home made dessert. Maybe for the first time in their life, they'll feel like a VIP guest.

Here's where we need your help... Our low meal cost of just $1.92 is made possible by volunteers and donated food. We plan to cook 120 turkeys and 80 hams for Thanksgiving day alone! Please consider donating a full turkey or ham for our Thanksgiving dinner anytime between now and November 21st. These can be dropped off at our main location at 907 West First St.

Picnic in the Park

Third Ward will host the second annual "Picnic in the Park" on Saturday, October 18th at Frazier Park uptown. Charlotte Rescue Mission, just down the street from Frazier Park, is participating in the planning of this community event. Click here to read more & if you live or work in Third Ward, we hope to see you there.

First of 200,000 Meals

On October 1st, the Emergency Winter Shelter (managed by Charlotte Rescue Mission) opened its doors to provide emergency services for Charlotte's homeless. Throughout its 6 month operation, Charlotte Rescue Mission will provide about 80% of the meals to be served there which means our daily meals will increase from 400 to 600.

Over the course of a year, we will serve about 200,000 meals and October 1st is just the beginning. Check out this coverage and video from WBTV News Channel 3.