CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In the midst of a breakdown, Ellen Miller and her wife Ezeco were looking for a breakthrough.
"My hope is gone, there is no more," Miller told WCNC Charlotte's Tradesha Woodard.
Miller said things started to change after hearing about a transitional housing program at the Lamplighter Inn, which was supposed to operate under the name "Vermelle’s Place."
Vermelle's Place is a program that, in theory, aims to help those in need get back on their feet. But after digging into the details, WCNC Charlotte found more questions than answers about the program.
"It sounded beautiful," Miller said. "Finally somebody is going to help us."
But Miller later found out the break they’d been yearning for was far from what they thought it would be.
"Within three to four days, I already started to question things," Miller explained.
One thing that sparked concern was when they would pay a man who they believed was associated with the program, but they could never get a receipt for their payment.
Miller said it was also a struggle to get basic repairs done, and they were told rent would be $650 a month. But Miller said, "When we got there, they charged us $975."
The extra cash caused them to reach a new low and now they’re left asking where’s the money.
"He told us Vermelle's Place was debunked and he was trying to find somewhere else to put us," Miller said. "The place he chose was a worse dump and it was additional money.
Now Miller's family, along with six other families, are left feeling stuck, vulnerable and taken advantage of. The man they were paying was no longer available and the owner of the hotel threatened to kick them out.
"I'm tired, I'm so sick of it," Miller said. "What they did was fraud, how it has been done to women and children and people like us."
WCNC Charlotte's Tradesha Woodard also spoke to the hotel owner, who said he had no idea about a housing program and had never worked with one before, adding even more confusion to the situation.
On top of the hotel's response, the nonprofit behind the program said they are not connected to it.
Miller said they're working to find a way out as some families continue to pay up. They're asking for help from the community to help them find a safe home.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" on stories that impact you. If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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