Harrison shoplifted daily to maintain his addiction. A cycle of arrests and jail visits made him a regular within the criminal justice system. When he wasn’t spending time in jail, he was sleeping in abandoned buildings or on church steps. Harrison was very comfortable around churches. In fact, he was a pastor for 20 years. He reports one highlight of …
Although Giovanni works in 90-degree heat rolling fiber for twelve hours each evening, his attitude remains surprisingly positive. Mostly because, as he says, he is “in charge of my own life.” He didn’t always feel that way. After his family lost their home to eviction, Giovanni eventually found himself in our Statesville Shelter. For over two years. During that time, …
Earlier this summer, the ArtWorks945 studio engaged with community members to paint our campus benches. Artists designed their own bench and were encouraged to lead our guests in implementing their designs. It was a creative and empowering moment for our artists and volunteers, helping to bridge the gap between the housed and unhoused. You’ll find all the benches at our …
We heard lots of stories about Dale Mullennix before he worked his last day on Friday, May 17. And although Dale is a man of awards and great accomplishments, most recently receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from the State of North Carolina, what we heard most often last week was the advice he had given many …
We are committed to housing Charlotte’s most vulnerable population, those experiencing chronic homelessness—those who are most likely to die on the streets. We meet hundreds of people at our College Street campus each day, and our Neighbor Services team works to connect people with the basic services, referrals, and housing assistance they need. But, there are many who never walk …
When she saw the sign on the door, “Welcome Home, Sharon,” she began to cry. Sharon Davis had never had her own place before that moment. A space where she could calm down, reset and care for herself. Sharon moved in to Moore Place shortly after it opened in 2012. Two years later in a HousingFest interview with Executive Director …
When you enter William’s neat apartment, you can quickly identify what’s important to him – around his TV, where he watches sports non-stop, are photos of his family, his military portrait from the Marines, and an award for an outstanding donation of time to the Uptown Shelter (now the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte). After nearly 30 years on the streets, …
Neighbors using Room In The Inn (RITI) this season ranged in age from 5 months old to 89 years old, and that’s really the story of RITI and our community. As affordable housing continues to be out of reach for so many, we are seeing increased numbers of families and older adults. A single man arrived with his 7-month old …
It’s hard to believe, but we’re half way through the Room In The Inn season! The numbers are in and the hard work of volunteers at over 100 host sites have made them possible.
Our mission promises to bring the community together to end homelessness, so we thought it might be fun to share some of the top ways YOU make a difference each year! 11,382 Showers Something as simple as a shower can be a gift of renewal or restored dignity for someone experiencing homelessness. Our shower desk is staffed by a volunteer …
For over a decade, the community garden at our College Street campus has provided nourishment for the spirit and the body, for both neighbors and volunteers alike; but last year it began to offer a new purpose and importance for UMC programs. As the recreational therapist for our SABER (Substance Abuse Education & Recovery) program, Laura McCarthy helps men in …
Byron was 20 years old and attending CPCC studying small business with the support of his mom, when she became ill in 2007. He quit school to care for her, but in 2009 she had to be moved to a nursing home where she passed away soon after. The house was willed to Byron, but he was unfortunately unable to …
Ten years ago Sandy Vermillion, Carol Rousey, Roger Coates, and their fellow church members attended a work day at the Urban Ministry Center’s College Street Campus. While serving, they met new staff member Joann Markley who told them about a brand new program, Homeless To Homes, that could really use their support. On that day in 2008 a new partnership …
Everyone’s experienced something ‘going around’ at work or school before—suddenly it feels like half your staff is out sick. That happens here at the Urban Ministry Center College Street campus sometimes, but what almost always happens simultaneously is that we see sick neighbors too. And while we usually have over-the-counter medications to help them–pain relievers, cold and flu medicine, cough …
“I just want to sit on my own couch,” Tom said, wondering why it was so hard to get to that place. He is tired. When Tom was younger than his 50+ years he thought it was cool to have adventures, to travel the country. His favorite place had been Idaho where he worked on a potato farm and nearby …
Imagine seeing your own artwork framed up on Tryon Street for all to see! ArtWorks 945 artist Kevin had just that pleasure recently when the McColl Center for Art + Innovation included a print of his painting on their signs. Kevin created the piece with McColl Center artist-in-residence, Marion Wilson. She talks about the collaboration in the McColl Center blog, …
No one would ever describe volunteering for Urban Ministry Center as a ‘day at the beach,’ but that’s exactly what our coordinators hoped to treat our most valued partners to at the annual volunteer appreciation dinner, April 22. The annual event gives volunteers a chance to be served and loved on by our staff, enjoy time with their UMC volunteer …
“I won’t have to worry about watching my clothes, watching my medication; to make sure my medication isn’t getting stolen.” That was Kevin’s number one relief in receiving housing—having a safe place for his medication. In fact, stolen meds led to Kevin’s elevated blood pressure and eventually a spinal stroke, heart attack, and a wheel-chair. All while receiving dialysis three …
Alexander West had lived in cars, abandoned buildings, and he had labeled himself “a liar, a thief, unworthy.” He had used drugs and alcohol for decades before entering the SABER program in 2014. SABER was his third attempt at recovery and he credits the program with changing his life. He eventually came to understand the very first message he received …
You can see from the smiles that October’s Wellness Challenge Picnic is a much anticipated event for many Moore Place tenants! From June to September, tenants collect badges by participating in one of the 7-8 wellness opportunities offered each week—art, yoga, cooking, walking, etc. Collect four badges for the month and they are invited to a Wellness Reception with a …
While the winter holidays bring enough donations to overflow the shelves, the summer months can be challenging. The weather is better, people are focused on taking a break from work or school and leaving town on vacations. Share Charlotte recognized this challenge faced by nonprofits and created SummerShare to help promote the idea of giving NEED a vacation. July 10-21 …