Cold Weather Shelter Helps Over 400 People in Frigid Temperatures

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

GASTON COUNTY, NC (WNN) – With the winter comes the cold for residents of the Western Piedmont region of North Carolina. In a time where bundling up and stoking a fire makes a difference, how are the most vulnerable members of our community able to stay warm?

A common concern among leaders in Gaston County is how the unhoused population will take refuge from cold weather. For the second year in a row, the City of Gastonia and Gaston County have funded a Cold Weather Shelter for those in need.

The Cold Weather Shelter is hosted by the Salvation Army, in Gastonia, and organized by Gaston County Community and Support Services. Dr. Gregory Grier, the director of Community Support Services, said the shelter has assisted many individuals.

Additionally, the United Way of Gaston County, HealthNet Gaston and various other community outreach organizations assist in this initiative. 

“We are appreciative of the support of the United Way, the Salvation Army and the City in helping the citizens that are most in need.” said Dr. Grier. 

There are no specific requirements to stay at the Cold Weather Shelter. It is not a permanent housing solution, therefore the requirements individuals typically must meet for long-stay shelters do not apply. 

“We do not require identification. There are no warrant checks. Individuals who want to come in and have a safe and warm place to sleep can do so.” said Dr. Grier. 

Individuals who seek use of the shelter must check in between the hours of 6 pm and 9 pm. All persons occupying the shelter must check out by 7 am. 

In addition to providing shelter from adverse weather, this initiative also provides medical assistance, free meals and various other programs. Melanie Lowrance works for Community Support Services. She provided insight regarding the services offered by the shelter. 

“We have community paramedics who stop by to meet any urgent needs and also consult regarding any chronic needs or needs that might require assistance outside of [these] services.” said Lowrance. 

The Cold Weather Shelter has a capacity of 33 people. However, in dire cases, many local organizations open their doors to assist Community Support Services. Their help is more than acknowledged. Over 400 hundred community members have utilized the shelter this year. 

“We’ve been open 30 nights, which is twice the number of nights we were open last year. And the increase over the number of individuals received is just really enormous.” said Lowrance. 

Aside from providing those in need with a warm place to stay, this initiative has also helped repair internal relationships between the City and the unhoused population. 

According to Dr. Grier, the Cold Weather Shelter has helped foster friendships between local law enforcement and the unhoused community. 

“Oftentimes unsheltered [individuals] may not have good relationships with law enforcement, but part of the model is we have to have an officer on site each night that the Cold Weather Shelter is open.” said Dr. Grier, “Officers have built rapport with those who we’ve assisted.” 

Lowrance and Dr. Grier recounted instances where officers and unhoused individuals shared stories and laughed together. One of the goals of the Community Support Services is to strengthen interactions between community members.

For any community members who wish to aid in the efforts of the Cold Weather Shelter, Community Support Services has set up an Amazon Wish List for donations. Items such as coats, thermal objects, toiletries and a variety of other necessities are always welcomed.

Although this shelter is considered temporary housing, Dr. Grier and Lowrance look to the future, where they would like to offer more permanent solutions. 

“From a county perspective, we are working for a longer-term impact for individuals. And what that looks like is more affordable housing. It also looks like additional resources of wraparound services for individuals to receive help so that they can move from an unsheltered state to a more permanent living arrangement.” said Dr. Grier. 

The shelter opens when temperatures dip below freezing. Those in need can call (704) 869-7387 for updates. Otherwise, the shelter is located at the Salvation Army in Gastonia and individuals can inquire about the operation hours in person. 

While winter can bring joy and comfort to many, extending these feelings to those in need can transform Gaston County into a more caring and unified community. The shelter, both literally and figuratively, becomes a source of warmth, fostering a sense of togetherness.

Do you need to stay at the Cold Weather Shelter? 

• Call (704) 869-7387 to check the availability.
• Located: 107 S Broad St, Gastonia, NC 28052
• Hours of operation: Check-in is between 6 pm and 9 pm, check-out is a 7 am. The shelter is only available when the temperature dips below freezing.

Interested in donating?

• Check out the Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/dMupJVX

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