United Way Raising Funds to Support Lake Arbor Residents in Charlotte

The Issue

 

On July 30, 2019 residents at 177 apartments at the Lake Arbor property in Mecklenburg County were informed via letter of the landlord’s intent to vacate all units beginning August 31, 2019 and continuing into early 2020.

 

This follows a multitude of complaints from residents surrounding unsafe living conditions, poor property management, and a neglectful landlord, which led to residents filing a class action lawsuit that is now under appeal.

 

The Financial Impact

 

Costs for relocating all displaced families is estimated to exceed one million dollars, with the immediate need for families vacating by August 31 approaching more than $300,000.

 

A Collaborative Response

 

On August 3, six nonprofit agencies (Charlotte Family Housing, Community Link, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, The Salvation Army and Urban Ministry Center), along with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Mecklenburg County Homeless Support Services, initiated a two-week tenant assessment process called Project SAFE to determine community impact. The goal was to assess residents’ eligibility for possible relocation and/or financial assistance.

 

While no single agency has the capacity to tackle this challenge alone, the primary role of United Way of Central Carolinas is lending support and acting as a convener among our partnering agencies in developing a comprehensive plan of action.

 

How to Help

 

We are leveraging our Critical Need Relief Fund to engage the community and others in raising money to help Lake Arbor families. We have publicly announced that all donations made to the Fund through Saturday, August 31 will benefit the Lake Arbor effort.

 

A special link on our website’s homepage has been established to make it easier for potential donors to support this effort with a donation. People can also text HELPCLT to 71777 to receive a text to the direct link.

 

Next Steps

 

On August 21, representatives from each agency involved in this crisis effort came together in agreement that a solid plan must be developed to address the current situation for these soon-to-be-displaced families.

 

United Way is uniquely positioned to help these families and we continue to work alongside our partnering agencies and local government officials to reach a viable and long-term solution for the Lake Arbor families.