Nonie Antone

ENG 114

Ending Homelessness in Charlotte

Abstract
Problem
City resources and funds are used to care for the homeless here in Charlotte, This causes undue stress as
these resources can be used to assist other people such as domestic violence victims or those that may just need
temporary assistance to get back on their feet. Homelessness can affect a large percent of the population at different
times. People in transition are most susceptible. People leaving the correctional system, runaways, teenagers that are
forced to leave home, veterans and people with mental health issues. The criminalization of the homeless also
wastes a great deal of public money.
Solution
There are some solutions that may work well in Charlotte, with proper implementation. Some cities have
set aside land for tent cities to be set up. Some cities have projects that involve micro housing. There has also been
some examples of reused space, an old shopping mall that has turned the retail space into separate apartments.
Neighborhoods of tiny houses, like the Katrina Cottages. The projects that require some work on behalf of the tenant
will build a sense of community and positive feedback for the client. Habitat for humanity is a great example.
Benefits

More resources to help others, that need assistance

Would save great deals of money with regards to medical care
Broader sense of community and belonging
Positive effect of the individual with regards to mental health as well as physical health

Research Proposal
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Charlotte

Nonie Antone

Ending Homelessness in

Statement Of Purpose
The purpose of this proposal is to look at solutions to combat homelessness here in Charlotte.
Charlotte has committed to eradicating chronic homelessness by the end of 2016, Mecklenburg County
considers 450 people as chronically homeless ( Perlmutt 2015). There are a lot of others that are not
chronically homeless but are transitionally homeless or without permanent housing, living in temporary
housing. Places such as hotels or with friends and family members are considered temporary housing by
the county. By moving people into supportive housing the Carolinas Healthcare and Novant Health saved
2.4 million dollars. This does not take into account the 82% reduction in arrests and 1050 less fewer
nights in jail for the residents of Moore House (UNC Charlotte Report 2015).

Introduction And Background

This is a proposal to look at solutions for homelessness here in Charlotte, I have seen the need to
address this issue first hand through community involvement and volunteering. My children and I have
volunteered at Samaritans House, Crisis Assistance, and the Men's Shelter of Charlotte.

Significance Of Topic
This is an issue that affects a large percentage of people. I am not just talking about chronically
homeless. There are a large percentage of people without adequate housing. Each homeless person in
Mecklenburg County costs 40,000.00 annually per person that amount drops to 14,000.00 once they are
placed in a supportive housing environment (Charlotte Five).

Approach To Research Descriptions Methods Of Research

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Charlotte

Nonie Antone

Ending Homelessness in

I wanted to look at newspaper articles from Charlotte area newspapers, research conducted
through UNC, and contacts in the Charlotte area that work with the homeless. Also research what other
metro areas have done to combat this issue.

Problems concerning research of topic

The toughest issue with regards to gathering research will be the statistics of the information. The
actual numbers, it varies from source to source. A Childs Place works with homeless students in the
Charlotte Mecklenburg School District. They report 4000 homeless students in CMS Schools, they are
aware the actual number is much higher. This is due to non-school age children not being accounted for
because they are not enrolled. This number also does not allow for the children that are very good at
hiding their situations (A Childs Place).

Bibliography And References

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Charlotte

Nonie Antone

Ending Homelessness in

Perlmutt, David. "Charlotte Groups Aims to End Mecklenburg County Homelessness within Two Years."
Charlotte Observer 6 Jan. 2016: n. pag. Print.

Rothacker, Jen. "8 Sobering Stats about Charlotte's Homeless Problem CharlotteFive."
N.p., 08 Jan. 2015.

"About A Child's Place | A Child's Place." A Childs Place. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Nov.
2016.

Price, Mark. "UNC Charlotte Report: Homeless Project Saved City $2.4 Million."
Charlotte Observer. N.p.,
4 May 2015. Web. 01 Nov. 2016.

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Charlotte

Nonie Antone

Ending Homelessness in