Charlotte says it won't hide homeless during DNC
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, August 21, 2012
CHARLOTTE (AP) — Officials in Charlotte say they won’t try to hide the city’s homeless population during the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
But the Charlotte Observer reports officials will try to help its homeless residents understand restricted areas and find alternative locations.
Michael Smith of Charlotte Center City Partners says the city has an excellent network of homeless service providers.
Mecklenburg County has about 5,000 homeless residents, but fewer than 1,000 of them are in city shelters most nights.
There are significant changes officials hope to explain to those without homes. The main library will be closed during the convention.
County officials are extending the hours of their Homeless Resource Center.
The Men’s Shelter will have extra staff to help the homeless learn where they can and cannot go during the convention.