Family Focus: Agency Helps Women Get Back On Their Feet

Throughout winter, local shelters call on churches to take in overflow when they run out of beds for the homeless.

Almost one year ago, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church turned that temporary outreach into a long-term housing solution for local women called My Sister's House.

Vicki Thomas credits the nonprofit with helping her get back on her feet after she got laid off and couldn’t find another job.

“It means a second chance. I just thank God that I found out about the place,” she said.

The staff calls My Sister’s House a center, not a shelter, to promote a sense of family.

“These are our sisters, and literally, we are responsible for them,” program director Iris Hubbard said.

Unlike temporary shelters that provide housing for three to six months, My Sister's House can take up to 26 women and guarantees them a roof over their heads for up to two years. They receive free meals, GED and computer courses and life skills training to help them succeed when they go back out on their own.

“We had ladies who came here almost desolate. They had almost given up, and now they're in school and have jobs,” Hubbard said.

The agency relies on grants and donations. Recently, the job skills program on site was cut after funding from the United Way and Workforce Development ran out. The center's budget couldn't sustain the program.

“We really need that program back,” Hubbard said. “It worked hand-in-hand with what we're trying to do with the ladies.”

The long-term, holistic approach worked for Thomas, who is back in school and working part-time. Her new duplex is managed by My Sister’s House, so she can still count on the agency’s staff and services.

“I'm just thankful beyond belief and I just hope they can help other people, too,” Thomas said.

My Sister's House celebrates its one-year anniversary on Monday after assisting 76 women, which is triple its initial goal because women rotated out after getting back on their feet so quickly.

The Charlotte chapter of Jack and Jill is hosting a fundraiser to help the agency. For more information, click here.

For more information about My Sister’s House, click here.