The foundation of Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs pyramid, you pysiological needs (food, water, warmth, rest), are probably met and checked off the list on ay given day. Chances are if you’re reading this, you’re probably more focused on the higher levels of the pyramid:  Love, Self-Esteem, and perhaps, Self-Actualization. Your desire to learn more about SHARE Charlotte’s partner Supportive Housing Communities and your ability to take interest in others means the basics are covered - you have shelter, food, clothing, and safety.

However, this is not the case for many people sleeping on the streets, in abandoned buildings, or on benches of our own City. On any given night, more that 2,000 men, women, and families lack a safe place to sleep.

Lynda Watson was facing homelessness when Community Link's Homeless to Housing program helped her find a safe, comfortable apartment she could afford long-term. Now Lynda is the first person to greet people when they walk into the Community Link office.

Not all students in Charlotte have the same opportunities for successful careers.

Founded in 1991, MeckEd is a Local Education Fund, which assists and supports public schools while holding them accountable for providing and ensuring excellence and equity for all of the children and families they serve.

MeckEd’s Career Pathways program serves low-income 16-21 year olds at Vance, Independence, Garinger and Harding High Schools who face barriers to the workforce and bridges the disconnect between students, business and industry, and post-secondary education. The Career Pathways program fosters a better-prepared workforce and creates a pipeline to ensure young people see the relevance of staying in school and that they embrace an attainable path following graduation.

With an estimated 60 people moving to Charlotte every single day, it is no secret that the Queen City has been growing rapidly in recent years. But with more residents comes a bigger demand for affordable housing, one that Charlotte has not been able to supply, causing a crisis. Before we dive into this month's focus, we have to first understand what we are talking about when we talk about affordable housing. The definition of affordable housing is "housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities."