8 sobering stats about Charlotte’s homeless problem
The Story
A coalition made of government, businesses, nonprofits and churches announced this week they plan to end chronic homelessness by the end of 2016.
I’m going to say it one more time to make sure everyone heard: we are ENDING chronic homelessness by 2016. pic.twitter.com/wDfVOokjhm
— Urban Ministry CLT (@Urban_Ministry) January 6, 2015
The Facts – The coalition wants to raise $11 million to build special housing for those people who continually find themselves living on the streets or in camps. – The housing would be similar to Moore Place, which houses chronically homeless and wraps them with services to keep them off the streets.
“I have no doubt that this challenge will be met. It’s magical to see the talent and resources rallying around this issue.” @CLTMayor — Mayor of Charlotte (@CLTMayor) January 6, 2015
The Numbers
4,700: Number of homeless children enrolled in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
270: Number of beds at the Center of Hope, which caters to women and children. It’s often over-capacity.
10%: Percentage of chronically homeless in Charlotte, about 450 people
50%: Percentage of homeless resources the chronically homeless utilize
“There are people who die on our streets waiting for housing. We can’t let that continue.” #HousingFirst @Urban_Ministry @CLTCenterCity
— Elevation Outreach (@ElevOutreach) January 6, 2015
$40,000: Cost each homeless person on the street costs in community care
$14,000: Cost of caring for that same person in supportive housing
12%: Guests at the Men’s Shelter who are military veterans
32,128: Number of low-income people who filled out applications in just five days to get on the waiting list for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. About 400 get vouchers a year.
C5’s Take
Get involved. Some great places to get started: The Urban Ministry Center (gateway help spot for city’s homeless), Salvation Army Center of Home (women and children), Men’s Shelter, Charlotte Family Housing and A Child’s Place (assists homeless children in CMS).
How can you help #HousingFirstCLTMeck #endhomelessness by 2016? http://t.co/OSSQOr6cve
— Urban Ministry CLT (@Urban_Ministry) January 6, 2015
Photos: John D Simmons & Robert Lahser / Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published January 7, 2015 at 1:15 AM with the headline "8 sobering stats about Charlotte’s homeless problem."