Charlotte Coffee Club combines community with compassion for neighbors in need
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Charlotte Coffee Club's June meet-up at Summit Coffee Eastover. Photo: Courtesy of Phill Reed
Charlotte Coffee Club is a new social group that meets monthly with two main goals: making new friends and supporting Charlotte's unhoused population.
Why it matters: Many reasons, including the country's ongoing loneliness epidemic, the challenge many face in making friends in a new city, and recent statistics showing nearly 3,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Catch up quick: Charlotte native and fitness instructor Phill Reed started Charlotte Coffee Club with his friend Jon Livermore in January.
- Shortly after meeting at a local run club — another popular method for making new friends in a new city — they made plans to start a social club of their own.
- 12 people attended the first meeting in January. By June, more than 50 people showed up.
What they're saying: "Jon and I started this club to provide a space for individuals to build community and to have the opportunity to serve the less fortunate," Reed tells Axios.
How it works: The club meets the second Saturday of every month at 9:15am at various local coffee shops — like Not Just Coffee, Backyard Brew and The Mad Perk, to name a few.
- Members spend the first 45 minutes getting acquainted. Then, they head to First Ward in Uptown to hand out coffee donated by local coffee shops, plus snacks and clothing to the local unhoused community.
Between the lines: Membership is free—just show up and buy your own coffee. Reed and Livermore say they intentionally kept barriers low to attract those who want to help but aren't sure where to start.
What's next: The July meeting will be held at Resident Culture Coffee in South End on Saturday, July 20, at 9:15am.
- If you can't join the outings, they accept donations of essential items like water, napkins, iced coffee, sugar/creamer, underwear, socks, fruit, juices, and granola/protein bars.
Of note: The July meeting will be held on the third Saturday rather than the second due to travel conflicts.