A century-old church building in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood has a new calling as Easter’s Home, a 21-unit supportive housing community for people who have experienced chronic homelessness. Caldwell Presbyterian and a network of nonprofit and city partners say the former classrooms are now long-term homes, paired with case management and rental subsidies to help residents stay housed.
From classrooms to homes
The two-story education wing on the church's property has been converted into 21 studio apartments that serve people earning roughly 30% to 50% of area median income. According to Caldwell Presbyterian, tenants sign leases and typically pay about 30% of their adjusted monthly income in rent. Developers preserved historic details from the original structure while adding kitchenettes and accessible finishes to each unit, local reporting notes.
Support services and selection
Roof Above, described as Charlotte's primary homelessness-services provider, will handle tenant selection through the community's Coordinated Entry system. The organization will also provide on-site case management and oversee property operations under a Housing First approach. In that model, tenants retain normal lease rights, subsidies cover the remainder of rent that residents cannot afford, and supportive services remain voluntary so people can stabilize on their own terms.
Partners and funding
The roughly $6.03 million rehabilitation project pulled together a mix of public and private dollars, according to a project profile. Funding sources include a City of Charlotte Housing Trust Fund grant, ARPA funds administered by Mecklenburg County, and a combination of state and philanthropic grants. DreamKey Partners served as the development partner, while Caldwell Housing Inc. created Easter’s Home at Caldwell LLC to own and operate the property under a ground lease with the church.
A citywide faith-based approach
Easter’s Home is part of a broader pattern in Charlotte in which congregations contribute land or buildings, then work with local programs that help churches navigate financing and development. Local public radio has documented the approach. The City of Charlotte has also launched a Faith in Housing effort that connects faith-based organizations with training, technical assistance, and small grants intended to spark similar projects.
A name with history
The name Easter’s Home honors a woman named Easter who was enslaved by the Caldwell family. Church leaders say the name is meant both to acknowledge that history and to signal new life for residents who move in. According to Caldwell leaders, the project grew out of a decade of planning to convert an underused church wing into stable, supportive homes.
Where to learn more
The City of Charlotte highlighted the completed community in a Facebook reel shared Saturday, showing the apartments and the partner organizations behind the effort. The clip is available from the City of Charlotte Government's social post. For information about volunteer drives, donations, and tenant referrals, visit Caldwell Presbyterian.
