Charlotte Turns Old College Dorms Into Homes for Homeless Men and Veterans

A $2.4 million grant from Charlotte's Housing Trust Fund will turn former King's College dorms into 64 living spaces for men without homes and veterans. The doors open this September.

Staff will work on-site to support residents with mental health care in a substance-free setting. "When people have safe and stable housing and a roof over their head, they can focus on employment, they can focus on recovery, health, and long-term success," said Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera, per WCNC.

The need strikes hard in Charlotte. Last year brought a sharp 24% jump in men seeking shelter at Roof Above.

Roof Above CEO Liz Clasen-Kelly put it plainly: "We are seeing more people coming to us in a housing crisis and so it really feels like a time where we're needing to do more with less resources."

The project started with a gift: money to buy the dorms. Workers then tackled major updates: new heating, cooling, fresh plumbing, and modern electrical systems. The rooms kept their basic setup.

Warren Wooten, who runs Charlotte's housing programs, spoke about costs: "These are great dorm-style housing units. Men who live there will be paying a rent to live there, but it's not going to be as expensive as many of those other options out there in the community."

The building served as a safe spot during COVID, backed by federal cash. Success showed in the numbers: 70% of men moved to permanent homes after their stay.

This space aims to cut street living by giving men time to rebuild. They'll pay lower rent while getting help to start fresh.

When September arrives, these walls will write new stories for the men who call them home.