Tuesday, April 20, 2021
What was once known as “Tent City,” a former homeless encampment near uptown where hundreds of people sheltered , has been vacant since February. Former residents of the encampment were ordered to leave after Mecklenburg County leaders said the site was dangerous due to a growing rat infestation.
Concerned community members wanted to know: Where will these people go? With the help of numerous organizations, including grassroots nonprofits, many former Tent City residents found themselves in temporary housing. But the funds for that will soon run out.
However, there is hope. The city of Charlotte has announced it is allocating nearly $6 million to help the homeless, including a year of housing for 75 former Tent City residents. The funds will include employment and workforce development assistance, mental health and substance abuse counseling.
Homelessness is an ongoing issue in Charlotte, especially amind the COVID-19 pandemic. We will sit down prominent nonprofit leaders and a city official to ask how exactly the funds will be used, what more needs to be done to help people facing homelessness and what is being done with encampments in Charlotte.
Guests
Pamela Wideman, director of the city of Charlotte's Housing & Neighborhood Services Department
Kathryn Firmin-Sellers, chief impact officer for United Way of Central Carolinas
Tara Peele, president and CEO of Socialserve
Jessica Lefkowitz, founder of Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition
