550 & Counting!

October is typically our prelude to winter.  The days begin to grow shorter and the nights begin to get cooler.  This October was a bit atypical, with some very hot days and mostly warm nights.  October was also atypical because the Men's Shelter experienced record high numbers of men seeking shelter.  In October 2009 our two shelters averaged 397 men per night.  This October (2010) that average skyrocketed to an astounding 550 men per night!  Since the weather played no obvious role in these huge numbers, we've become increasingly concerned that winter averages will exceed 600.  Still, the Men's Shelter is committed to serving ALL homeless men seeking our assistance this winter.  With this commitment comes added financial responsibility because it takes money to provide shelter, showers, utilities, and meals to all of these extra men.  Unfortunately, several of our major revenue sources continue to fund MSC as a 265 shelter, not a 500 bed shelter that is exceeding its capacity to meet the needs of all homeless men.  We could use your help.  Volunteers and donated meals help keep our costs down.  But we also need your financial assistance.  Please visit our website (http://www.menshelterofcharlotte.org/) today and make a donation or call our Community Development staff at 704.334.3187 x 502 to participate in our major gifts campaign.  It costs us less than $20 per night to safely shelter a homeless man but with so many men these nights we need everyone's support.  Thank you for helping us help homeless men.