PROGRAMS | HUGCLT

PROGRAMS & FOCUS AREAS

HOMELESS OUTREACH

At HUG CLT, we are committed to serving our shelterless neighbors in Uptown Charlotte and surrounding encampments by providing essential supplies and survival resources.

As a resource hub for numerous nonprofit organizations, we distribute:
✅ Food & water
✅ Clothing & hygiene items
✅ Tents & sleeping bags
✅ And much more!

Beyond direct support, we work closely with City, County, and State services to ensure that targeted assistance is accessible—no matter the individual’s circumstance or location.

One of the unique aspects of this program is our commitment to the pets of our shelterless neighbors.

At HUG, we believe that everyone deserves care and dignity—including those experiencing homelessness and their beloved companions.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

Every week, Hearts United for Good provides essential support to families and individuals through our free Food Pantry program. Every Wednesday night, we distribute an average of 350–400 bags of groceries, ensuring that those facing hardship have access to nutritious food and essential supplies.

In addition to groceries, we also provide:
- 🛒 Hygiene items (including adult incontinence & feminine hygiene products)
- 🐾 Pet food & treats
- 👕 Clothing assistance
- 📄 Monthly in-person DSS EBT/SNAP enrollment assistance (with the help of volunteers & translators)

HUG also operates one of the only food pantries in North Carolina that offers free diapers, wipes, and baby formula (when available)—a vital resource for families in need.

At HUG CLT, we believe in more than just providing food—we offer care, dignity, and the support needed to thrive.

ANIMAL WELFARE

At HUG CLT, we are dedicated to advocating for humane conditions and providing food, veterinary care, and critical support for pets in need.

In 2020, we partnered with the Humane Society of Charlotte to transition their Pets for Life initiative to our organization. Since then, we have built dozens of free fences, allowing formerly tethered and chained dogs to run freely and live more comfortably within their own secure enclosures.

Our Impact in 2024:

🐾 28 animals rescued & rehomed
🐾 13 dogs spayed/neutered
🐾 6,100+ lbs. of pet food distributed
🐾 39 animals received basic vet care & assistance
🐾 $10,000 in emergency vet care, surgeries, & quality-of-life services

At HUG, our mission goes beyond rescue—we are committed to ensuring that every pet finds the "furever" home they truly deserve.

EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT

Since 2014, HUG has been committed to fostering education and development in Charlotte—starting with bringing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to our community. Our efforts have since expanded through our Education & Development Program, making a lasting impact on local students.

Each April, through our ongoing partnership with United Community Bank, we bring Financial Literacy Programs to multiple local schools, often engaging high school students to help read and share valuable financial lessons with younger students.

With funding from the Carolina Panthers, we proudly purchased and distributed 500+ ethnically and culturally relevant books to Title 1 schools, ensuring diverse representation in classroom libraries.

Additionally, through our partnership with LaMelo Ball and the LaMelo Ball Foundation, we have provided:

500+ full Thanksgiving meals to local families
$36,000 worth of new PUMA jackets to five elementary schools, where 99% of students face economic hardship and 97% identify as minority students

At HUG CLT, we believe that education, access, and community support are key to empowering future generations.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Through partnerships with large scale food banks and generous personal donors, our Community Support Program has reached dozens of local schools, assisted living facilities, after-school programs, recreation centers, senior centers, and other vital organizations across Mecklenburg County.

In January 2025 alone, HUG provided over $37,500 worth of essential items, including:

Snacks & drinks
Holiday items
Baby formula & kits
Cereal & protein drinks
And much more!

In just the first 31 days of 2025, we have supported 41+ organizations with critical resources, including:

✅ Garinger High School
✅ One Time Inc
✅ OurBridge Kids
✅ Easter Seals Port Health
✅ Safe Alliance
✅ Refugee Support Services
✅ Crisis Pregnancy Center
... and many more incredible community partners.

If your group, school, or organization is in need of support for a community-based program, initiative, or event, we’re here to help!

EMERGING NEEDS

From COVID-19 to Hurricane Helene, our Emerging Needs Program is designed to address the most urgent challenges facing our communities. By leveraging our diverse network of volunteers and resources, we can mobilize quickly and provide targeted support where it's needed most—filling critical gaps that often go unaddressed during emergencies.

This program also extends to supporting immigrants and refugees in need of resources and guidance throughout the Charlotte area, ensuring they have access to essential services as they navigate new beginnings.

Rapid Response in Action:

📌 March 2020 – September 2021 (COVID-19 Response)

Provided 54,000+ meals to school-aged children
Distributed 92,000+ lbs of ice to tent encampments
Served as a 24/7 staff at a transitional hotel in partnership with Mecklenburg County

📌 2024 Outreach

Supplied 100+ sleeping bags & 500 hand warmers for this year's PIT (Point-in-Time) Count
Provided volunteer support in collaboration with HFTICC & Mecklenburg County

At HUG CLT, we are ready to respond—no matter the challenge. When emergencies arise, we act swiftly to ensure our community gets the assistance it needs.

If you or your organization would like to partner with us for emergency response initiatives, reach out via our contact form to learn how you can help!