15 Years of SHC
Supportive Housing Communities (SHC) is celebrating 15 years of service to the Charlotte community. The organization began its history with McCreesh Place, Charlotte’s first permanent supportive housing community for formerly homeless people with disabilities. McCreesh Place opened in November 2003 with 64 single-room occupancy (SRO) units which shared kitchens and bathrooms, and later expanded in 2011 with 27 additional efficiency units. Since 2011, SHC has grown to include another apartment community, St. Johns Place, 75 scattered site apartments, and a PATH street outreach program.
McCreesh Place continues to be a big success for affordable housing in our community, with capital funds for this project donated from the City of Charlotte ($1,025,542), Housing & Urban Development ($400,000), and congregations/corporations/individuals ($505,698). Residents pay 30% of their income towards rent, with the rest being subsidized. Support services are also provided to each resident, helping to maintain their housing and live more productive lives.
“It has been a great privilege to provide leadership to SHC over the last eight years and to be able to celebrate the 15th year. Success of any organization is a team effort, and ours is the best. Our Board, staff and volunteers share a deep passion for service to the most vulnerable people in our community,” shares Pamela E. Jefsen, CEO of SHC.
Richard Harrison, one of the original residents, has turned his life around while living at McCreesh Place. He was the first president of the Residents’ Association, and currently Richard is involved in many community service efforts, including serving as a member of the SHC Board of Directors.
Gary Waters, a case manager with SHC since the beginning, has seen the effects of residents bringing permanency into their lives, including rebuilding trust in people and in reestablishing relationships.
“When you put people back together, you put the families back together.”
McCreesh Place came into existence due to the diligent work of St. Peter Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and the Jeremiah churches.
Click here to celebrate 15 Years of SHC during November! 15 Years of SHC Volunteer Opportunities