The Salvation Army
Rapid Rehousing Program
Creating HOPE
for families
“I wasn’t alone- not financially, emotionally, or spiritually. I had support of the case managers. They gave me the push I needed to get back on my feet.”
What is Rapid Rehousing?
Since April, 2012 The Salvation Army Center of Hope shelter has moved 30 families and single women out of homelessness and into housing by using the new Rapid Rehousing model. This national best practice model was designed with the idea that most families are able to maintain housing and an independent lifestyle if they are just given an extra bit of support.
What this means is, families and invididuals who are homeless because they fell on hard times-and who are employed or employable-will be able to sustain an independent lifestyle if they receive a three-month subsidy for housing of their own choosing as well as minimal social services. After three months, these women should be able to successfully maintain housing.
How Can I Help?
Many of the Rapid Rehousing participants come to the Center of Hope shelter with next to nothing. They are not equipped with basic household items they need to start life in their new home. And they cannot afford everyday household items that many people take for granted. But you can help. The Salvation Army is collecting Housewarming Baskets to be given to the women and chidlren who move out of the shelter through Rapid Rehousing. This is a great project for church groups, scout troops, businesses or families. Call Jackie at 704-348-2560, ext. 256 to donate a basket or email her. You can also make a financial donation by clicking here. Baskets may be dropped off at the Center of Hope shelter, located at 534 Spratt Street, Charlotte, NC.
These Items Should Be in Every Basket
Microwave oven
Trash can
Trash bags
Laundry detergent
Dish soap
Sponge
All-purpose cleaner
4 towel sets
Lightbulbs
4 drinking glasses
Shower curtain
Shower curtain rings
Bath rug
Silverware
Oven mitt
Cookware
Kitchenware
Utensils
Rapid
Rehousing Success Story: Miranda and her
daughter, Lashanda
April and her three year old daughter, Lashanda, recently moved out of the Center of Hope and into her own apartment thanks to Rapid Rehousing program. April had been employed by the same company for two years but fell on hard times and found herself needing shelter. She made sure that Lashanda could stay with family while she stayed at the Center of Hope.
It was at the Center of Hope that April first heard about Rapid Rehousing program, which offers participants a three month subsidy for the housing option of their choosing.
“Three months can help you save,” said April. “It’s an easy program because as long as you work with them (rapid re-housing case managers), they work with you.”
The program encourages participants to empower themselves to find and maintain housing even with the help of a three month subsidy.
For April, Rapid Rehousing wasn’t just about getting a new home.
“Now I have my own place and I have my daughter back!” she said.
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