A Year in Review: Progress and a Vision for A Home For All 

Tchernavia Montgomery | Chief Executive Officer at Care Ring, A Home For All Technical Committee Co-Chair

Stacy M. Lowry | Department Director, Community Support Services at Mecklenburg County, A Home For All Technical Committee Co-Chair 

As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the collective efforts that have propelled A Home For All forward. This community-driven initiative embodies a bold vision for addressing homelessness and housing instability across Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Together, with the support of government, nonprofits, businesses, and community members, we are turning ideas into action. Below, we proudly share our 2024 accomplishments and look ahead to the work awaiting us in 2025. 

Unsheltered Pillar 

In 2024, we made significant progress in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Street outreach efforts have broadened to engage those living without shelter, connecting them with vital resources and services. Plans to launch a street psychiatry program, in partnership with Atrium, Roof Above, Hearts for the Invisible and Alliance Health, are underway. This initiative is designed to provide access to mental health and substance use care directly where it is needed most. Work has also begun to create a low-barrier, non-congregate emergency shelter that includes onsite services.  

People Pillar 

At the heart of our work is a commitment to putting people first. We are advancing a person-directed care model that emphasizes accessibility and coordination. Discussions are underway regarding new tools and functions to enhance the responsiveness and accessibility of services for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, especially those who are untouched by existing services. This system-wide shift ensures that services are tailored to meet the unique needs of residents, fostering a more effective and compassionate approach. 

Prevention Pillar 

Preventing homelessness remains a critical focus, and several initiatives have seen notable progress this year. In 2025, we aim to expand funding further to meet rising demand and address systemic barriers. Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Charlotte Housing Unit has also expanded its team, thanks to additional funding, providing critical support to tenants facing eviction.  

Insights gained from the COVID-19 pandemic have informed the development of a new pilot program for upstream rental assistance, set to launch in early 2025. This initiative will provide crucial aid to households at risk of eviction or housing instability. Recognizing the importance of early intervention before a rental payment becomes overdue or an eviction notice is issued, a novel pilot will be implemented. The initiative will specifically focus on households earning an annual income between 50-80% AMI, addressing the needs of the “missing middle”, while avoiding duplication of existing services,  Additionally, planning is underway for a Strike Fund aimed at preserving Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) and protecting these vital rental options from being lost to market conversion. The Strike Fund will continue to develop next steps in 2025.  

Production Pillar 

Our efforts to increase affordable housing supply has seen notable progress. The passing of the $100 million Housing Bond Measure has doubled the City of Charlotte’s Housing Trust Fund, a crucial step towards tackling housing challenges.  

Meanwhile, Housing Collaborative has launched an ambitious campaign to recruit and retain property providers. By offering incentives and dedicated support, this initiative is making more affordable housing options available for our community. Housing Collaborative has also started offering incentives to property providers, further bolstering these efforts. 

2025 Community Investment 

United Way’s 2025 community investment of $17.9 million, which includes $5.3 million from the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, highlights our community’s increasing commitment to A Home For All. This funding will play a pivotal role in enhancing property provider recruitment and retention strategies, launching the upstream rental assistance pilot program, and expanding critical home repair efforts to serve more low-income homeowners. 

Looking Ahead to 2025 

The coming year, we will work to expand critical programs that serve individuals and families in need. Our focus will be on strengthening partnerships to amplify our collective impact while prioritizing our partners with lived expertise in the development and implementation of solutions. 

A Home For All represents more than a strategy; it embodies a collective dedication towards a future where everyone has access to stable, affordable housing. Realizing this vision requires all of us. By staying informed, actively engaged, and supporting local initiatives, you can help address homelessness and housing instability in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. 

Visit AHomeForAllMeck.org to learn more, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on social media at @ahome4allmeck. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable community where everyone has a place to call home.