Charlotte, NC

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been visiting some great attactions here in Charlotte — and, naturally, we’re gonna continue showing you the luminescent jewels in the crown of the Queen City.
But, as with every populated area in the nation, the QC has those who are in need. Whether they’re homeless, facing serious financial crises, are addicted to drugs or alcohol, or suffer from devastating depression, they’re here just as they are in your area.

Now, some areas have been known to shy away from these people and treat them as though they’re lepers. But that’s NOT the case with Charlotte! This wonderful city opens its arms widely to help those in need, and then does something amazing: It follows up on those same people, assuring that they have the best possible re-growth.

Examples of these are at your fingertips: The Uptown Shelter, for example, not only offers every homeless man a place to sleep but also some great programs to help him gain employment, get medical assistance, with Federal/State programs (if applicable), psychiatric and/or spiritual help and more.

Crisis Assistance Ministries offers assistance and counceling in the event of eviction notices and overdue bills as well as referrals for young mothers seeking help with their children, clothing, and much more.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Mental Health Association offers a 24-hour crisis line in the event someone’s depressed and needs to “talk with someone,” or wants input as to how to handle a given situation. From talking down potential suicides at 2 AM to offering in-house guidance and counsel during the daytime, they’re experts at giving hope!

If the bottle or street meds are a problem, the victim can get help through two angels: Rebound for men and The Dove’s Nest for women. Both part of the Charlotte Rescue Mission, their programs for recovery are second-to-none!

Then, of course, you have other civic organizations and some of the most God-blessed, benevolent churches in America — all willing to help to the extent they can afford.

Now, each noun (person, place or thing) that we’ve been writing about in this journalistic tour has an historic, educational or delightful meaning in the daily paragraphs of Charlotte. But, of them all, the most heart-warming — the most meaningful — can be found in the hearts of the caring, loving and empathetic people who are proud to be called Charlotteans.

And, as the Book says, “the heart, no one can describe.”