A homelessness nonprofit in Charlotte has broken ground on a new men’s shelter after receiving a $1 million donation.
On Thursday, a bulldozer cleared away debris, making way for the new shelter on Statesville Avenue. A million-dollar gift by the Howard R. Levine Foundation put the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Urban Ministry Center over the top for their $4.4 million goal for the new building.
Liz Clasen-Kelly is CEO for the merged nonprofit organization. She said the gift allows them to start construction on time.
"It allows us to create a modern shelter, where we’re focused not just on basic needs, but also focused on moving people out of homelessness," Clasen-Kelly said. "And it provides a base level of dignity, and really at this point, safety."
Clasen-Kelly said the current shelter has reduced its 180-bed capacity by 50 and rearranged beds to allow for social distancing. It is also paying for some off-site motel rooms.
The new shelter will have up to 194 beds based on current plans. Clasen-Kelly says the coronavirus pandemic highlights how the new shelter will be safer, with divided sleeping areas, as well as more common spaces and multiple bathrooms.
The new shelter is expected to open in February 2021.
