MSC’s Housing Disruption Fund Gets First Donation

Written by Carson Dean on September 10, 2015. Posted in Carson's Blog

You might ask, What is a housing disruption fund?  When the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte helps a man move into more appropriate housing (MSC has made over 1,500 such moves since 2012) we want it to be an end to his homeless experience.  We’re also realistic, knowing that for many of our housed clients, there will come a time when  a setback jeopardizes their housing.  Often, this is a result of a layoff or reduction of work hours.  It can also stem from poor budget execution.  It can be related to a relapse, medical emergency, or family crisis.  Whatever the reason, the last thing we want is for that man to return to our emergency shelter. 

There are many available community resources including emergency financial assistance, counseling, and emergency food pantries.  We teach our clients how to access those services.  Still, we’re the ones these men turn to when in crisis because we’ve become part of their support system.  When MSC can’t help them access those community resources – maybe they’ve already used up their eligibility or maybe their crisis occurs over the weekend – then we’ll offer short-term financial assistance to keep them housed; after all, doing so is more cost effective and emotionally beneficial than a return to shelter.  To be prepared, MSC has a small housing disruption fund to help our housed clients when a true emergency puts their housing at risk.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Opening Hearts, Opening Doors luncheon sponsored by the Housing Opportunity Foundation and the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association.  MSC was one of the 2015 honorees and received a $2,000 grant to support our housing disruption fund.  We’re so appreciative that the Housing Opportunity Foundation has partnered with us to keep men in housing.  We’re equally appreciative of Frank Deaton from Keller Williams Realty, who was our sponsoring Realtor.

MSC is dedicated to ending homelessness for each man we serve – it’s in our missions statement.  We’re equally focused on preventing a return to homelessness.  MSC’s housing disruption fund is a key tool in our kit to help men who have moved home stay home.