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Local nonprofits are seeking solutions to the struggles immigrants face when coming to the United States.
Immigrants and refugees from any background can soon access a one-stop shop for vital services when they settle in Charlotte. The future “Charlotte is Home Center” will help them get ahead by offering legal, educational, and healthcare services in several languages under one roof.
Co-executive director of Carolina Migrant Network Stefania Arteaga knows what it’s like to struggle in the U.S.
"When I first migrated one of the first things my family did was look for a place that provided services that are needed," Arteaga explained. She said that didn’t exist in Charlotte.
"My dad was looking for a job, we were looking for a place with affordable healthcare because we did not have access to health insurance in North Carolina," Arteaga said.
She said it was hard to navigate around Charlotte using public transportation to find different resources around town.
Now, local nonprofits are addressing those barriers that so many immigrants face.
The Carolina Migrant Network, OurBRIDGE For Kids, the Charlotte Community Health Clinic, and Aldersgate have joined forces to create the Charlotte is Home Center.
“It’s really unique and we’re hoping that it would be something that will change the future of Charlotte forever,” said Sil Ganzo, the executive director of OurBRIDGE.
The project is made possible thanks to $1.9 million in federal funding.
"Knowing that people will have just an easier opportunity to find these critical services is so heartwarming to me," Arteaga said.
Construction on the east Charlotte property will finish in July. The nonprofits still need funding to continue operations for the years ahead and are asking for donations on the Charlotte is Home website.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.