Each year, GRCVB staff participate in service activities within our community, both to engage with local partner organizations and lend a hand where needed. In past years, we’ve worked with charitable organizations like The Green Chair Project, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and Designed For Joy.

In January, GRCVB staff visited Oak City Cares, a hub for connecting individuals and families who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness. CVB staff delivered donated care goods to the group and, after touring the facilities, received an overview of the many services offered by the organization. 

Some of the amenities Oak City Cares provides to the underhoused and homeless population may seem simple but are highly valuable to those attempting to stay afloat. Amenities such as washers and dryers for guests or showers and travel-sized toiletries are available at the center. A secure and sanitizing phone charging system lets guests have a safe place to store and charge their phones while they’re meeting with staff, and on-site visits for health care and telehealth visits are possible in cozy and well-equipped private rooms. Meal services are provided on weekends. 

Following the tour, CVB staff assisted with sorting donations of their basic needs (blankets, gloves, hats, hand sanitizer, hand warmers etc.), as well as sanitizing toys, surfaces and playthings in their family activity area in preparation for the weekend meal services. While volunteering, our organization guide ran into a longtime friend who had experienced homelessness for more than a decade and was signing a lease for a place to live that day. 

Oak City Cares is a public-private partnership that exists to support the self-determination of our neighbors experiencing homelessness through trusting relationships and connections to coordinated services that increase their ability to be safely and stably housed; no person should experience homelessness alone. Oak City Cares is a gathering space where the team listens to, connects with and serve persons at risk or experiencing homelessness so they can quickly reestablish a home.

If you also are interested in donating or volunteering, contact Oak City Cares here. If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact Oak City Cares here.