Cooperative Christian Ministry has a wish it hopes to grant by Christmas: to have three homeless families spend the holidays in houses.
The nonprofit group is currently trying to complete three homes in Kannapolis that would serve as Teaching Houses.
The group’s Teaching Housing program allows families to live in one of its houses for up to two years as they help with the cost and work toward financial independence. It is a type of transitional housing between homelessness and financial independence.
“Previously, there was a massive jump from a homeless shelter to try to be independent somewhere,” said Ed Hosack, executive director for Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM). “We were finding that many couldn’t make that jump, and the ones that did couldn’t maintain stability. By creating stepping stones, we are seeing more families are able to move up and are doing quite well.”
The group has 10 houses in the program, and all of them are currently providing homes for local families, he said.
CCM had already decided to complete one house by Christmas, and as it looked at other projects its partners have been leading, the group realized it could potentially have two others completed by Christmas, Hosack said.
“With the community’s help, that could happen,” Hosack said.
The initial house, in north Kannapolis, is the furthest from completion, he said.
In addition to furniture and appliances, it still needs materials such as floor insulation; interior painting supplies; interior doors; an exterior wood door; lighting fixtures; appliances; furniture; and a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system.
It also still has projects that need to be completed, which include sheetrock finishing; installing kitchen cabinets; floor insulation; interior painting; wood floor refinishing; electrical finishing; and door installation.
The other two houses are in good shape in terms of their construction, but they still need appliances and furniture, Hosack said.
“The need is tremendous,” Hosack said.
And even though they called their goal ambitious, Hosack and CCM’s Shelter and Housing Director Marshall Smith said Christmas was fitting as a deadline for these projects.
“This is the time of the year we get the offers from the community (to help),” Smith said. “It is almost the perfect match to put out that appeal.”
And this is an opportunity for people to think even bigger when it comes to what they typically donate, Hosack said. Instead of donating items like toys, people could donate insulation, he said.
“We are trying to help the community identify a way they can help that will make a difference, not only on Christmas Day but could change the lives of the children,” Hosack said.
There will be project teams working on the initial house in north Kannapolis on Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Those interested in donating or helping with the project should call Marshall Smith at 704-239-7265.
Contact reporter Jessica Groover: 704-789-9152
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