“Moore” Homes Bringing “housing first” to Charlotte to end chronic homelessness

Who We Are Serving Charlotte’s homeless for 20 years The Urban Ministry Center (UMC) is an interfaith organization dedicated to bringing the community together to end homelessness, one life at a time. A Continuum of Care from Streets to Homes Basic Services: Soup kitchen, showers, laundry, mail, counseling, access to medical services Enrichment Programs: Building relationships through soccer, art, music, gardening,and advocacy. Room in the Inn: Emergency winter shelter program coordinating 130+ congregations and organizations. Provided over 17,000 beds in season. SABER: Substance abuse treatment and transitional housing program HousingWorks: Permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless at Moore Place and in scattered site apartments.

Different Types of Homeless Neighbors Situationally Homeless A household who becomes homeless after one or more life changes Majority end homelessness relatively quickly. Episodically Homeless Multiple episodes of homelessness over a long period of time. Episodes become shorter with time. Chronically Homeless Homeless continuously 1 year or longer OR at least 4 episodes of homelessness in the past 3 years. Also living with a disabling condition. Research shows that the chronically homeless make up approximately 10 – 15% of the homeless population, yet use up 50% of crisis response services while remaining in homelessness year after year.

“Housing First” – A Proven Model Began in NYC in 1990s Belief that everyone is “housing ready” and housing is a basic human right Key = Supportive Services Recognized by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as an evidence-based practice. HUD attributes the national reduction in chronic homelessness to the housing first approach Once the chaos of homelessness is eliminated from a person's life, clinical and social stabilization occur faster and are more enduring.

How it Started Pilot Project: Homeless to Homes Charlotte’s first “Housing First” program Perfect storm of inspiration, research, & funding May 2008: First 14 moved into community- based apartments with wrap-around support Immediate results – 11/14 remain housed 5 years later Program grew to 45 through a combination of Shelter Plus Care vouchers, CoC dollars, and private support. 93% retention rate

How it Grew Moore Place: Building on Results Successfulpilot led to vision for Moore Place. Capital campaign begins Single site with secured entrance allows those needing higher level of care (mental illness, domestic abuse) a safer environment than scattered site. On-site case management and health services. Coalition of public, private and faith donors. Partnerships with Charlotte Housing Authority, Mecklenburg County, & Carolinas HealthCare System. Capital financing from NCHFA, CHA, FHLB, Charlotte Housing Trust Fund, foundations, faith, and private donors.

How it Grew Using a Targeted Approach Vulnerability Index 807 chronically homeless individuals identified 48% vulnerable 128 interviewed in jail - 2 nd most common location after UMC 84% respondents had been in jail – misdemeanors related to homelessness common 291 (32%) reported being a victim of a violent attack since becoming homeless Average length of homelessness = 5.2 years; 2 respondents had 35+ years of homelessness

How it Grew Moore Place: Finally Home Moore Place Grand Opening - February 1, Residents have primary healthcare, access to psychiatric care, and on-site case management. Residents contribute 30% of income to rent. Collection rate 99%. Community has been created through holiday dinners, BBQ’s, Bingo, movie nights, Bible studies, art, gardening and wellness groups. Peer support & on-site security enhance resident success.

How it Helps Residents: The Results 85 men and women living with disabling conditions no longer at risk of dying on streets. 50% previously had no healthcare. All now connected to coordinated primary care and psychiatric care. Number of residents obtaining a source of income increased from 50% to 82%. Quality of life improvements as residents reconnect with family, learn new skills, attend classes, and participate in therapeutic activities. 94% housing retention after 18 months Average length of homelessness = 7 years.

How it Helps Charlotte: The Benefits UNCC study comparing two years prior to move-in versus one year housed: 78% reduction in ER visits (449 fewer) 79% reduction in hospitalizations (377 fewer) $1.8 million cost savings in hospital usage 84% reduction in days spent in jail Community Savings Housing the Chronically Homeless: $25,000 per Person

A Community Response Moore Place builds on UMC’s strong history of collaborating with community partners Substance Abuse and Mental Health Providers Mecklenburg County, NC Community Support Services Faith Community

In Their Own Words What Housing Means to Me “I was homeless for 2 ½ years now, and now I have my own place. If I was still on the streets I probably be dead.” “Housing is having my own. It’s a beginning, it’s hope, it’s a gift. I no longer worry from day to day, night to night, minute to minute who, what, where, when, how, or/and why.” “Housing means being able to take care of my health and support from people that care.” “Housing to me means no more sleeping from pillow to post. It means that someone cares, and people like myself are not forgotten.” “Regaining a certain amount of independence through housing has been important to my self-confidence. Not living by somebody else’s schedule is also a blessing. In the shelter I was always living by their schedule. Also, having chronic illness I have taken a more pro-active approach to my health. Housing really means peace of mind.” “I have a sense of being in a place that is safe, and I can feel responsible. I can work towards getting my life back to normal and feeling that I’m a part of society again and I can make a difference.” “Housing means hope.”

In Their Own Words: Phillip “I was homeless for a good many years. It was very difficult without a place to stay. I would stay on the streets most of the time. You would have to be alert at all times. The stress would be very hard on the body. Having no place to go was the most difficult problem to face. It was like a merry-go-round, wandering in circles. Getting into Moore Place became life-saving for me. There needs to be more places like this to end homelessness. It almost feels like a miracle to have a place to go to. I wonder why ending homelessness is not a higher priority in the community. No one should have to experience this lifestyle.” Philip is an example of the power of housing. Prior to being housed at Moore Place, he was homeless 17 years suffering from significant mental illness and alcohol problems. He was also identified by the city’s criminal justice system as one of their highest users. In the two years prior to being housed Phillip was: Arrested 31 times Jailed for 217 days at an average cost of $110 per night Phillip has been stably housed for more than sixteen months. He had one arrest just after moving in. Since then, he has had no further arrests.

“Moore” Homes Saving Lives and Money Success of UMC’s HousingWorks has led to: Plans to add an additional 35 units of permanent supportive housing, maximizing existing prop- erty and resources on the site. 45 new units of scattered site housing for chronically homeless who are frequent users of the jails (contract with Mecklenburg County) “A measure of a city is not how we care for the greatest among us but how we care for the least.” Left: Ronnie on the day he moved into Moore Place in February 2012 after more than eighteen years on the streets. Today on right after more than a year in stable housing.

To learn more about Urban Ministry Center or our supportive housing programs, contact: Caroline Chambre Urban Ministry Center