Charlotte Emergency Housing, Inc.

Programs:

Charlotte Emergency Housing (CEH) provides short-term housing for families with minor children, and single (unaccompanied) women. CEH helps families develop their own comprehensive, solution-focused plans to address issues which contributed to their homelessness. Through this process they are empowered to acquire and sustain independent housing in the community, and gain knowledge of resources to handle future situations which might challenge their coping skills. CEH supports the families from date of entry until one year after leaving CEH in order to promote smooth transitions. Working collaboratively in the community, CEH advocates on behalf of the homeless to improve affordable housing options in the greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. CEH is an active partner in both the WISH housing program and the Project HOPE program which is using Federal stimulus funds to create housing opportunities for families who are not otherwise likely to be served by existing programs.

Our target population is working homeless families and women, whose homelessness can be resolved within a 3-4 month period. Our definition of family is at least one adult with at least one minor child. We accommodate two-parent families and families which include teenage males. We are one of only a few shelters that can accommodate adult and teen males. At least one adult in the family must be working at least 30 hours each week. Individuals with history of substance abuse must have completed treatment, sustained six months of clean time and participate in aftercare. Adults must participate fully in the development and implementation of their family’s plan. Many families have issues requiring considerable attention, which demonstrates the need for in-depth, comprehensive social work support for the family, extending beyond the shelter stay so that they can effectively maintain their housing beyond the initial transition period. Throughout CEH’s years of operation, the target population has been reviewed and modified to ensure appropriateness to the agency’s core mission and current community needs.

The residents, especially the children, refer to the shelter as “Plaza Place” so they do not have to feel a stigma while they are living here and going to work and/or school.