A grassroots operation designed to help our neighbors experiencing chronic homelessness prepare to transition from the streets to successful long-term employment.
Experience Homelessness At Any Night in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Experience Sheltered/Unsheltered Chronic Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Experiencing Unsheltered Chronic Homelessness in Charlotte-Meckleburg
What is Raise To Work?
Our Mission
To restore and empower our neighbors experiencing chronic homelessness on a “come as you are” basis. Through our proven system for self-sufficiency, we help individuals achieve successful and sustainable employment.
What is Chronic Homelessness?
One year of continuous homelessness, or four episodes of homelessness in the previous three years, totaling 12 months.
Our Vision
We aim to build the first MOBILE work training and employment unit in the country. This innovative approach delivers the Raise To Work Project directly to individuals in their environment, with the ultimate goal of eliminating chronic homelessness from our communities, one person at a time.
We provide individuals experiencing homelessness with:
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- A safe and practical space to appreciate their inherent value.
- Opportunities to find and achieve their goals.
- Resources to transform their lives spiritually, emotionally, and mentally toward permanent employment and housing.
Participants in training in the Raise To Work pilot.
How It Works
The Design of the Mobile Unit
Our mobile unit is an RV-style vehicle (approximately 410 square feet) equipped to meet the diverse needs of individuals experiencing homelessness:
Survival Services on Site
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- Full kitchen
- Bathroom and shower
- Laundry facilities
These services ensure participants can meet their basic hygiene and nourishment needs.
Training & Employment Facilities
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- Two private offices
- Spacious training room
- Computers, projectors, desks, and workstations for participants
This setup provides all the tools needed for comprehensive training and employment support.
Safety & Comfort
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- Air conditioning and heat
- Electrical outlets
This ensures a safe and comfortable environment in all weather conditions.
Where We Operate
Our mobile unit travels to high-need areas, including homeless encampments and shelters. By offering services directly in the communities where the need is most urgent, we break down barriers to access and provide practical, on-site solutions.
A participant in the Raise to Work Project Pilot Program commuted to Shutterfly daily, breaking barriers to overcome homelessness. Proud to share a 90% success rate!
Why It Matters
The Impact of Chronic Homelessness
Chronic homelessness represents the most challenging demographic to address and consumes significant taxpayer resources. This group, primarily single adults, often faces systemic barriers and lacks comprehensive solutions.
In Mecklenburg County, the number of unsheltered chronically homeless individuals rose:
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- 288 in 2023
- 384 in 2024
- 79% increase
Our Solution
Each month, our program selects 12–15 individuals who have been carefully screened to participate in the Raise To Work Project. These individuals receive:
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- Targeted support
- Training and employment opportunities
- Access to vital resources
- This approach impacts 144–180 individuals annually, with a focus on 70% chronically homeless and 30% episodically homeless participants.
Participant gaining job skills in the pilot Raise to Work Project. (Partnership with a local business.)
Join Us in Making a Difference!
Together, we can transform lives, one step at a time, by bringing hope, opportunity, and sustainable change to those who need it most.
