Advocacy Committee
The purpose of the advocacy committee is to support clients by fostering awareness of homelessness issues in the community at large. This group unifies the efforts of the HSN members through individual advocacy on behalf of persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Awareness is raised through contact with elected officials, government organizations, corporate leaders, the faith community, other non-profit organizations, and citizens of Mecklenburg County.
Goals
- Advocate to ensure people experiencing homelessness are eligible for local rent subsidies, as the Foundation for the Carolinas and City of Charlotte explore the creation of an endowment to establish such a fund
- Encourage Mecklenburg County to consider a funding source for housing support, which could greatly increase the supportive housing capacity in our community
- Work with City Council to ensure adequate funding for the Housing Trust Fund and to focus funding on the greatest affordable housing needs (below 30% AMI)
- Work with City Council as they revisit the policy that dictates where affordable housing can be developed
- Continue to challenge Charlotte Housing Authority's minimum rent policy, which requires a minimum rent charged of $75, even if a household has no income
- Work with affordable housing developers to educate neighborhoods about the actual impacts vs. perceived fears of affordable housing and garner support for new affordable housing projects
- Remain up-to-date on conversations about creating a coordinated intake and systems change and assist if advocacy opportunities arise
