CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte nonprofit is seeking solutions for people struggling to get by.
Champion House of Care is launching a community resource center at Derita Presbyterian Church in Sugar Creek this weekend.
The Open Heart store inside the center has clothing, jackets, shoes, household items, hygiene kits, and more. The center also has a computer lab so people can take classes, fill out paperwork, and apply for jobs. Plus, it has a small food pantry and provides information on resources like Medicaid and food stamps.
Single mom Tanay Woodard knows firsthand how essential items like baby wipes and diapers can rack up in costs quickly. Woodard just moved into an apartment with her one-year-old and is dealing with bills for the first time.
"I still have other stuff to budget so I'm trying to do my math and make sure I'm gonna be good, so it is hard," Woodard said.
She added that Janette Kinard, the founder of Champion House of Care, helped her get on her feet when she needed it most.
"She always came in with the resources and stuff like that, I'm so thankful for her because without her, I probably would not be the person I am today," Woodard said.
While Woodard was grabbing some baby wipes and clothing from the free store on Friday, Kinard surprised her with something else.
Woodard gasped and cheered when Kinard unveiled what was inside a large box in the hallway:
"We got a couch for you for your very first apartment," Kinard said to Woodard.
They hugged and laughed before Woodard turned to WCNC Charlotte's camera and exclaimed, "Guys, I got a couch!"
Stories like Woodard’s are exactly why Kinard is excited to launch the Sugar Creek community resource center. She said many families are struggling to get by and living in hotels.
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"They're struggling as far as kids going to school, wearing the same clothes over and over again, taking on peer pressure, fighting, getting suspended from school because you don’t have clean clothes, you don't have shoes," Kinard explained.
She said instead of struggling families in the corridor having to go out to try to find help, they now have a resource right in their neighborhood.
The center launches on Saturday, March 9. People can make appointments with Champion House of Care by filling out the contact form on its website or by calling 980-415-8113.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.