"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

By John Bailey

Catawba County United Way

Last year, nearly 100,000 individuals in North Carolina requested help with housing/shelter from NC 211- https://nc211.org/.

During the months with extreme temperature ranges those needs become even more crucial which is why local organizations work together to help make sure there is some place for those in need to go.

“I think the impact of the warming stations is pretty profound,” Director of Strong Life Ministries in Conover John Hays said. “It may not seem like a big deal to many people but for the homeless community it is an incredible need. 

“Unfortunately, for many organizations, meeting this need comes at a great cost. A sacrifice of man hours and finances are needed to staff longer hours, extra days or evenings when organizations may not usually be running.”

Regardless, Hays said that non-profits in Catawba County will continue to work together to help those in need with all the resources they have to offer.

See links below if you'd like to help.

2024 Warming Stations as of Nov. 29

NIGHT SHELTERS

THE SALVATION ARMY OF GREATER HICKORY

The Salvation Army will be operating their White Flag nights like previous years.

In weather 35 degrees or below, it will allow those on the outside to come into the Shelter of Hope at 7 p.m. (after staff is able to turn the Dining Room around for them to go in there). The shelter will take anyone in, as long as they have not been banned for physical violence and/or on the sexual predator list. This is on a night-by-night basis.

If they are wanting to eat, they may come in at regular dinner time at 5 p.m. but must leave and then return at 7 p.m.

For information call - 828-322-8061.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NEWTON (300 N Main Ave, Newton, NC 28658)

Room in the Inn Emergency Shelter will open Dec. 1, Dec. 2, Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.

The Fellowship Hall, accessed on N. Ashe Ave, will open at 6 p.m. on nights Room In the Inn is operational. Coffee and snacks will be available when doors open. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Lights out at 11 p.m. Breakfast will be served at 7 a.m. and guests will be asked to head out by 8:30 a.m. If the shelter will be open the following night, belongings may be left in the Fellowship Hall.

Volunteers Needed: visit https://firstnewton.org/room-in-the-inn to sign up to help at Room in the Inn.

DAY SHELTERS

SAFE HARBOR – HICKORY - https://safeharbornc.org/

Safe Harbor is open M, T, W, and F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Th 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Any lady or lady with children experiencing homeless is welcome to come for a warm place, something to eat, laundry and service navigation. 

STRONG LIFE MINISTRIES – Conover - https://www.stronglifenc.org/

Strong Life will start opening as a daytime warming station starting the first Saturday in December as it is just Monday through Friday during non-winter months. 

• 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday

Strong Life is also available any night for white flag under conditions but will function as a secondary plan in case there is an overflow or an issue with the Salvation Army having a hard time doing it. 

Our time is one of the most valuable things we can give, and in Catawba County there are many volunteer opportunities with local non-profits.

Below is the most current update the Catawba County United Way has received from just a few of our local partners.

THE KINDNESS PROJECT

Delivering Sunday meals/ events as they arise (laundry / shower days for the homeless & fundraisers). Interacting with the homeless.

No restrictions - just need to be notified if you can’t drive so we can arrange transportation for them from the church to the stops 

Typically every Sunday

10 a.m. -1p.m. and events are mostly held on Saturdays. 

Sign up at THIS LINK.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Blood Collection Support: Join a lifesaving team to help support blood collections in your community. 

Disaster Action Team: You can be part of a team that helps people who are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters.

Sign up at THIS LINK.

CATAWBA COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING

SHIIP Medicare Counseling, AARP Tax Counseling, Special Events, Class Instruction, Office Assistance, Newsletter Distribution.

https://www.catawbacoa.org/contactus

THE HICKORY SOUP KITCHEN

Lunch preparation, lunch service and grocery (bagging, shelving, etc.). Includes periods of standing, lifting objects, interacting with the public.

No restrictions on who can volunteer.

Lunch: M-F 7 am - 1pm 

Grocery: 8 am - 11 am 

Call and ask for Bonnie Salisbury at 828-327-4828.

https://hickorysoupkitchen.org/ways-to-help

THE H.O.P.E. CENTER

Part of the Hickory Soup Kitchen, providing transportation to jobs for HSK clients.

Needed: afternoon drivers (once a month or a few times a year). Includes periods of standing, lifting objects, interacting with the public.

No restrictions on who can volunteer.

M-F 2:30-3:30/4 p.m.

 Call and ask for Bonnie Salisbury at 828-327-4828

https://hickorysoupkitchen.org/ways-to-help

WALK WITH ME HEALING STEPS EQUINE THERAPY 

Yard maintenance, bunk house repairs, plumbing, cleaning offices.

Volunteers can expect: Uneven terrain, heavy lifting, outdoor activities. The only inside, light work would be cleaning the offices. 

Restrictions: Must have a clear background check, 18+

Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (need to call ahead to work with the Coordinator)

https://walkwithmehealingsteps.com/volunteers/

ADULT LIFE PROGRAMS

We have a variety of ways volunteers can help: host an art class, share musical talents, washing our fleet of vehicles, basic ‘handyman’ services, beautification projects (planting, patio washing, etc.) Physical requirements are specific to the activity being offered.

M-F between the hours of 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Call to inquire: 828-326-9120

https://www.adultlifeprograms.com/

COUNCIL ON ADOLESCENTS – LUNCH BUDDY MENTORS NEEDED:

The COA has an urgent need for male mentors at Northview Middle School. The goal is 80 mentors for the year, and the program is already close to that goal.

Interested in making a difference in the life of a teen, please reach out to Tracey Paul!

Call 828-322-4591 or email tpaul@coacatawba.org.

https://coacatawba.org/lunch-buddy

MEALS ON WHEELS OF CATAWBA COUNTY

There is an immediate need for volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors. Volunteers commit to just one day per month for 60 to 90 minutes. Meals are picked up at 10:30 or 11 a.m., depending on location, and are delivered to seniors in need in the surrounding area Monday through Thursday.

More information at - mealsonwheelsofcatawbacounty.org

Catawba County United Way's Duke and Roxy talk about the impact of a donation during Giving Tuesday.

Nobody wants to think of a child without a gift on Christmas morning, or a warm meal to sit down to later that day. ​

That’s why every year, the Catawba County United Way (CCUW) joins other local non-profits and agencies to organize the Catawba County Christmas Bureau.

This is a collaborative effort to provide toys, clothing, coats and a holiday meal to families with children and teenagers in need of assistance during the Christmas season.

A key component to this outreach is The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which is the main way new toys and clothes are collected for the event.

What to know before taking an Angel from the Angel Tree.

The Salvation Army considers a perfect angel to be 2-3 toys, and a complete outfit with shoes. We only give out new toys and ask for items not to be wrapped. You can give the wrapping paper so that the parent has the opportunity to wrap the gifts for their kids.

If someone wants to adopt more than 15 angels, please call us (828-322-8061) so you can be set up as an Angel Tree sponsor. 

You can find angels at:

• Walmart stores,
• Valley Hills Mall in Hickory, 
• The Salvation Army thrift stores

and at our Online Angel Tree Website.

The Catawba County United Way took Thanksgiving off so the final car giveaway drawing will be on Dec. 5.

Thank you, Paramount Automotive Group in Hickory for donating the vehicle, and thank you to Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. for overseeing this year’s drawings.

Employees at local businesses running a United Way campaign who donate a minimum of $100 are eligible to enter each week's drawing.

Funds raised during the annual Catawba County United Way campaign supports local non-profit efforts to help individuals and families in need in our community.



Want to be part of this year’s United Way campaign?

Call 828-327-6851 or visit THIS LINK for more information about hosting a United Way campaign at your company.

Thank You to everyone who supports the CCUW every year.

Your Help Matters.

Donate to the Catawba County United Way Teen Christmas and help ensure this program reaches as many teens during the holidays as possible.

In 2023, the program served nearly 500 teens. This year, we hope to help nearly 600 teens.

If you missed the sign up for this year's Catawba County Christmas Bureau. The Hickory Police and Conover Police Departments have similar programs that are still taking applications. Please share.

For Hickory Police Department deadline Dec. 1 - Participants are required to pre-register. To apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/yueah89m or fill out an application in person at police headquarters.

For Conover Police Department deadline Dec. 6 - More details - https://www.conovernc.gov/338/Santa-Cops

We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the non-profit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.

Below are some upcoming nonprofit events from just a few of those partners...please share, and if you're interested, the Catawba County Interagency Council meets the second Thursday every month (10:30 a.m.) at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.

Call 828-327-6851 for more information or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com.

NC 211 is the United Way of North Carolina's health and human services information line.

For help - Call NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892 1162 or visit THIS LINK. Open 24/7.

Learn more about this program at THIS LINK.