Heal Charlotte has been committed to addressing the needs of the most marginalized members of the community. Due to the growing issue of homelessness, Heal Charlotte began its Emergency Shelter program in April 2020. The program is structured to assist families that are experiencing homelessness. In essence, the program allows families to remain together as a unit while addressing stability and reducing the traumatic experience of homelessness. Heal Charlotte partnered with Baymont by Wyndham to house families at a discounted rate per night. Heal Charlotte covered the housing cost, which allowed families to save money to transition into permanent housing. During the first year, Heal Charlotte housed a total of 85 people; 7 individually housed and 21 families housed.
Through the course of the program, April 2020- June 2021, Heal Charlotte spent a total of $205,000 to house 28 families and individuals. The total cost to house a family for 3 months is $4,500, the total cost per family for 6 months is $9,125 and the cost per family for 1 year is $18,250.
The average length of stay for families was 7 months, with some families staying as long as a year. Additionally, 21 individuals were employed at the exit, which is a 200% employment increase from Entry. Families were able to acquire savings of $1,200 or more to transition into permanent housing. Heal Charlotte was also able to advocate for families through conversations with landlords to move families that do not have a favorable rental history.
Through the partnerships created, and housing covered by Heal Charlotte, families transitioned out of the program in the following categories.
