Tarps and Time

Tarps and Time

My name is Joe Conlon and I am a 17 yr old Junior at Myers Park High School.  This summer with friends I camped all over the NC mountains and can tell you we live in a great state. I also drive by the 12th street homeless encampment on the way to work. Although I love camping, I can’t imagine that being my only shelter, especially as the weather gets colder and colder.

I have had the privilege of visiting and helping to supply 6 of Charlotte’s encampments over the last month and have learned 1)what supplies were needed and 2)that our response needs to be done in conjunction with local groups who have been doing this for a long time. 

I know we as a community are concerned, maybe scared, maybe annoyed. I am very aware that the residents were probably on their best behavior with me there.  Aware that these places can be dangerous and aware that they look junky from the outside. Aware that private property is just that, private property.  That mental illness is the primary cause of homelessness.

But I no longer think it's sad.  There is dignity and kindness within these camps that we see less and less these days. They take care of their elderly and sick. Ration out resources and give the most to them. Laugh and joke with each other. Are just as scared of Covid as we are. Are grateful for what they have.

So I started "Tarps and Time".  I hope to create knowledge and understanding of the encampments that sprung up in March and how the Charlotte community can best help our homeless citizens in these winter months. I chose to work with A Roof Above because of its vast reach and history of helping our unsheltered citizens, especially with permanent housing. I also chose Hearts Beat As One because of their extensive knowledge and relationships with the unsheltered. 

I will source, buy, and deliver the below-requested items myself directly to Roof Above and HB1 and join them on visits when needed. We will not be delivering items to these camps without one of the organizations who know immediate needs and how to distribute items, hopefully reducing the piles of unused donations (because they were not needed or damaged before they were found) These items give these organizations the ability to create relationships that allow them to begin moving our unsheltered neighbors to the available emergency shelter as it gets colder.


You can donate to 3 basic camping needs


Warmth- $500-$250

Tents and Tarps- The goal will be replacing or repairing
Emergency thermal blankets
Hand and boot warmers
Hats and Gloves 
Battery-powered heaters
Wood for the managed fire pits and barrels the fire dept has distributed to camps. This is not for the camps deemed unsafe by the Mecklenburg Co Fire and Sheriff’s Department or our partners.


Comfortable and Clean -$250 - $100

Waterproof boots/wellies (not high-end hiking)
Hand wipes
Hand sanitizer
Face masks
Trash bags-used for keeping the camps cleaned up


Extra necessities- $100-$5

batteries-AA batteries-they work in flashlights and other small electronics
Coolers and ice- food needs to be kept cold
Chips and Cheez-Its- Easy snacks that don’t need refrigeration and also a treat is nice

I have also been delivering large item donations and can arrange pickup if needed.

If you have been affected by seeing our neighbors out in the cold this year, please consider a donation.  

Thank you,

Joe