Nonprofit that helps people experiencing homelessness now needs help from community

CHARLOTTE — A local nonprofit known for helping people experiencing homelessness may soon have to stop providing aid to people in need.

Watchmen of the Streets may have to close because of a lack of funding.

“We’ve never faced shutting our doors,” founder Heath Burchett told Channel 9.

The organization now is asking for donations to keep afloat during the pandemic.

Watchmen of the Streets as worked with homeless communities in the Charlotte area for 11 years by providing tents, supplies, food and resources.

[More than 200 people experiencing homelessness accept Meck County’s offer for hotel rooms]

“They’re still there,” Burchett said about the homeless population. “They still exist, and they still need our help.”

Burchett said they have helped people move into furnished apartments and have rescued women from human trafficking operations.

The number for people living on the streets has increased because of COVID-19, he said.

“This is the first time where we have truly seen so many people who have been homeless for the first time,” Burchett said.

Donations to Watchmen of the Streets have decreased since the pandemic started. COVID-19 relief grants and a grant from The United Way were only temporarily helpful for the nonprofit.

Burchett said Watchmen of the Streets needs $20,000 to $25,000 in the next three weeks just to keep the ministry’s doors open.

“It literally breaks my heart,” Burchett said.

You can go to: Watchmenofthestreets.com and click on the “DONATE” button or send checks payable to:

Watchmen of The Streets- Habit Missions

P.O. Box 1580

Cornelius, NC 28031 (*All gifts and donations are tax deductible)

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