Our CommUNITY Outreach

Social Action is intentional action in support of bringing about change for the better in some aspect of life connected with human society in general.  Its intention is to afford fair treatment and benefits to all.

Spiritual social action is based on belief in the sanctity and sacredness of human life, on the understanding that the essence of all human beings is of God. Respect, a universal need that too often goes unmet, is rooted in the essential human dignity that comes from knowing that the Christ Presence is within all of us.

This page describes Unity of Charlotte's engagement in humanitarian compassionate service. To learn more, please click on the bold links below.

The Urban Ministry Center

Unity of Charlotte volunteers have been involved with Urban Ministry Center (UMC) for over a year, cooperating in the 365-day-a-year lunch program by serving iced tea or punch each month to our Neighbors.   Recently we added our own touch by serving hot coffee to the Neighbors as they waited in line outdoors, then the usual tea indoors.

On December 5, 2010, Unity of Charlotte hosted 6 of our Neighbors who are experiencing homelessness through UMC’s ROOM IN THE INN program.  We went to UMC to pick them up, provided dinner and fellowship, a bed for the night, breakfast in the morning and a ride to Charlotte Transit Center. 

When the Street Soccer team went to Washington DC for a national tournament, Unity of Charlotte congregants donated water bottles to supply each member of the team.

The Men's Shelter of Charlotte Unity of Charlotte has supported Men’s Shelter of Charlotte primarily through donations of clothing and other items such as toiletries and paper and pens for the GED program.  A Unity member, in cooperation with 2 other Charlotte yoga teachers, has been offering weekly yoga classes for relaxation and stress relief for several years. The Unity of Charlotte volunteers who have taken part in these projects have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the outreach.  Some found it life-changing as they were able to drop stereotypes and gain a new understanding of the impact of homelessness in individual lives.  Some, who are unable to volunteer in person, help out by “sending their money”; offering donations to help purchase supplies for RITI, and/or the beverage ministry at UMC.

The Crisis Assistance Ministry 

Any donations placed in the blue bin in the lobby that are not for our RITI program, UMC or the Men’s Shelter are taken to CAM.  Women at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope have easy access to this agency.  Besides maintaining a free store where clothing and household appliances and furniture are available, CAM provides some financial assistance to neighbors who are in need whether or not they are homeless.

Unity of Charlotte congregants also volunteer as individuals at a variety of Charlotte organizations and agencies, including A Child’s Place, Girl Scouts, Charlotte Parks and Recreation, and Senior Centers.

One of the reasons we are focusing on helping homeless neighbors is that the official number given for homeless people in Charlotte, NC, is presently 6500.  Those who know say there are more than that.