CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Each person who stops by The Nest community space, located on Camp Road in Charlotte, is like a family member to Melissa Gaston.
“They've just embraced me with open arms,” Vincent Starks shared of his experience with The Nest.
Gaston is the executive director of the North End Community Coalition in Charlotte, which is headquartered in The Nest.
“You have to be able to build relationships. Everything that happens is built by building a relationship,” Gaston said with a smile.
She said the goal is not only to provide for those in need but to help change their lives and have an impact.
“You can come to us and say 'hey, I need help with financial assistance,' or 'I need help with food' or whatever the situation is. We can help you with that, but we also want to be able to help you change your circumstances,” Gaston explained.
The North End Community Coalition is a one-stop shop for people in the community like Starks.
“I live in the Druid Hills neighborhood. I spoke to Melissa [Gaston] and different partners in the community and ever since I’ve been here, I’ve just been involved just doing different clean-ups,” he shared.
Starks said he volunteers and gets much-needed help through programs the organization provides.
“Especially during this time, during November, December -- that extra $100, $200 is just very beneficial. It's not discriminated upon your income and don't have to be behind on any bills as well,” he shared.
For Gaston, it’s also about pointing people in the right direction for help.
“A lot of times I have people who come in and say, 'I have this need, and I wasn't sure where to turn, but I know you can tell me,'” she said.
Just like the North End Community Coalition, here at WCNC Charlotte, we believe in making an impact.
Recently, we presented the North End Community Coalition with a $6,000 check on behalf of WCNC Charlotte, the TEGNA Foundation, the Parham Family Fund, and Steel Skin Realty.
“It's going to allow us to help our residents and do some more programming," Gaston said. "It's always great. Donations are how we get our work done."
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.