Roof Above Opens Charlotte’s First Adaptive Reuse Community For The Homeless

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via roofabove.org

Roof Above just began moving in the first tenants of SECU The Rise on Clanton, Apartments by Roof Above. SECU The Rise on Clanton will provide permanent supportive housing for 88 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and is anticipated to make a significant impact on chronic homelessness in our community.  According to the latest Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing and Homelessness Dashboard, there are 422 people in Mecklenburg County experiencing chronic homelessness. These are people with a disabling condition who have experienced homelessness for at least a year. Ten of the first tenants will be individuals who were displaced from the North End Encampment when it was cleared and were moved to a Mecklenburg County-funded motel-based shelter.

SECU The Rise on Clanton is Charlotte’s first adaptive reuse, permanent supportive housing solution. Adaptive reuse is the process of renovating buildings that have outlived their original purposes and modifying them for different functions. The pandemic revealed an innovative opportunity to purchase and convert an underutilized hotel into affordable housing, making adaptive reuse a tool to serve some of our community’s most vulnerable residents.

In December 2020, Roof Above announced the purchase of the hotel at the intersection of Clanton Road and Interstate 77. Through a partnership with Salvation Army Center of Hope, the hotel served an immediate need as an emergency shelter for women and families. In May 2021, Roof Above began construction on the hotel, renovating the hotel rooms into apartments including the addition of kitchens, and building an addition to provide space for on-site support services. Beyond the affordable housing, tenants will have onsite access to case managers, a full-time nurse, learning lab, and community space for supportive activities.

Tenants will be primarily selected through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Coordinated Entry process, which uses a common assessment to identify the most vulnerable people in need of permanent supportive housing. Tenants will move in through a phased approach, six to eight people each week, to ensure they are fully supported in their transition.

Many generous gifts made the project a reality, including $2 million from State Employees Credit Union (SECU), $2 million from the City of Charlotte, $1.5 million from Covenant Presbyterian Church, $1 million from the Lowe’s Foundation, $1 million from the Springsteen Foundation and a significant gift from John McKibbon and the McKibbon Family Foundation.  The total project cost was just over $13 million, inclusive of purchase price, renovation of the existing building and construction of a wing to provide onsite case management and health care support. We are grateful to our operating partners like Mecklenburg County for funding case management for tenants and Novant Health for supporting our full-time nurse and other healthcare needs of tenants.

“This opening comes with our deepest appreciation to everyone who accepted the challenge to dream big and meet the moment to make this new apartment community possible. We hold to the vision that everyone is worthy of the safety, stability, and dignity of a home. Together, and one life at a time, we end homelessness,” said Liz Clasen-Kelly, Roof Above CEO.

With the opening of SECU The Rise on Clanton, Roof Above now provides nearly 700 units of supportive housing within Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generally, tenants pay 30% of their income towards rent plus basic utilities. Learn more about the permanent supportive housing options and eligibility by visiting https://www.roofabove.org/permanent-supportive-housing/.

The hotel conversion was led by JE Dunn Construction with architecture by Axiom Architecture, interior design by ODA, and project management by McKibbon Places.

5 Charlotte-Area Towns You Can Still Find A Decent 4 Bed For Under $200k

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If you work in Charlotte and need a 4 bedroom home, there are still some great little towns within a 45 minute to 1 hour drive that haven’t yet seen their prices explode like in Fort Mill, Belmont, or Huntersville.

In no particular order, here are 5 Charlotte sleeper towns with currently-available 4 bedroom homes in decent condition for under $200k:

#1 Albemarle

The first town on our list sits at the foot of the Uwharrie Mountains (the oldest mountain range in the US) and is a short drive to Badin Lake and Lake Tillery.

This 4 bed Albemarle house features a wrap-around porch and a large powered workshop out back:

#2 Kings Mountain

Kings Mountain is one of the closest and most “up-and-coming” towns on our list. It’s about 40 minutes to Charlotte on I-85 and has tons of planned development coming thanks to the new Two Kings Casino.

This 4 bed Kings Mountain house is set off on a country road and is on well and septic – it’d make a great off-grid homestead if you think the zombies are coming anytime soon:

#3 Salisbury

You can get a little more bang for your buck in Salisbury, with the price-per-square-foot range one of the lowest on this list.

This nice 4 bedroom Salisbury house recently dropped in price from $185k down to $179k:

#4 Lancaster

The town of Lancaster sits just below the booming regions of Waxhaw and Rock Hill and features a quaint downtown and a ton of annual festivals and events.

This 4 bed Lancaster home isn’t technically under $200k, but it’s the only 2,000+ square feet house on the list:

#5 Chester

Another great South Carolina option is just south west of Rock Hill off I-77. It takes about an hour flat (with decent traffic flow) to drive from Downtown Chester to Uptown Charlotte.

This modern 4 bed Chester home is near the heart of the town, so you’ll be close to some quaint shops and restaurants:

Have you visited any of these towns?

Which one is your favorite?

Desperate Carolinians Spending an Extra $16,024 To Get The Cars They Want

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As many Americans will be all too aware, the price of just about everything, including vehicles, has skyrocketed over the past year. Indeed, 2021 witnessed the largest 12-month increase for cars in the history of the consumer price index, and prices have continued to increase in 2022. While the market surge has has been great for auto groups, potential buyers have found themselves in the uncomfortable position of having to make compromises on their purchases – either having to travel beyond state boundaries to find the one they have been looking for, or paying more than they had initially budgeted for, or accepting that they have to settle on a make and model that they did not want in the first place.

Figures from a survey of 3,361 car owners commissioned by Quantrell Auto Group appear to confirm that car consumers are faced with either having to spend more; travel or compromise.

First up, the survey revealed that 1 in 5 (20%) car owners in North Carolina reluctantly purchased models that they didn’t initially plan on acquiring. Those North Carolinians who are not prepared to compromise and are holding out for their preferred option, say they are prepared to spend a significant 33% above the MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) for their vehicle. Considering that the average new car in America sold for $48,043 in 2022 (the highest on record, and the first time it has gone above $48k), means that consumers are willing to spend a whopping $16,024 to secure their dream vehicle.

When these figures were broken down by states, Alaska had the highest number of car owners who admitted they drive vehicles that they didn’t initially want in the first place (80%). Comparatively, this figure was just 11% in New Mexico, where it seems people are a bit more calculated when it comes to their car choices.

Complex Formerly Known As “Epicenter” To Be Redeveloped Into “Queen City Quarter”

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via CBRE

The complex formerly known as the “Epicenter” is about to get a new name, facelift, and variety of new shops, restaurants, and services after a multi-year downward spiral and ultimate bankruptcy auction this past July.

According to a press release from CBRE (representing the new ownership group), the transformed “Queen City Quarter” will have its stairways, escalators, courtyard, patios, lighting, and landscaping completely renovated in anticipation of the rebranding and relaunch.

via CBRE

“Queen City Quarter will transform the heart of Charlotte’s iconic Uptown into a vibrant corporate and family friendly hub,” CBRE Managing Director Compie Newman said. “It offers a unique destination with new ownership and a new vision that will hopefully attract the finest amenities to the city’s urban core.”

The original Epicenter owners, Epicentre SPE, defaulted on their $85 million loan with Deutsche Bank last August, forcing a foreclosure auction and giving full control to CBRE Inc through a court-order receivership.

According to the receiver’s report, the Epicentre included a total of 50 tenant spaces encompassing roughly 302,324 square feet when it was sold.

What do you think of the rebranding? 

Rents in Charlotte Down 0.7% Over Past Month – October 2022 Rental Report

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Rent growth is slowing down for the season, a welcome sign for apartment hunters who have battled rapid price increases throughout the pandemic. The national median rent decreased by 0.2% in September, the first monthly decline since last December. In fact, rents are down this month in 69 of the nation’s 100 largest cities, albeit modestly.
For the latest data, see Apartment List’s October Rent Report, complete with median rent and price growth data through the end of September 2022.
Some highlights for the Charlotte market:
  • Rents in Charlotte decreased 0.7% month-over-month in September, compared to a 0.2% decrease nationally. Month-over-month growth in Charlotte ranks #68 among the nation’s 100 largest cities.
  • Year-over-year rent growth in Charlotte currently stands at 10.4%, compared to 19.3% at this time last year. Year-over-year growth in Charlotte ranks #19 among the nation’s 100 largest cities. Rents in Charlotte are up by 27.9% since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
  • Median rents in Charlotte currently stand at $1361 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1491 for a two-bedroom.

Check out the full report here, and for a complete look at national trends, read our national report.

4 Tips When Buying Train Tickets Online

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Many travelers prefer taking the train for various reasons. It’s much more comfortable, given how roomy the trains are. Instead of staying crammed in a seat with other passengers up in the sky or at the back of a car for hours, you’re allowed to stretch your legs by taking a stroll along the carriages. And because there’s a lot of room, spacious compartments are built so you’ll never part with your luggage the entire way. To top it all off, you can even appreciate the view from outside as the train reaches your destination.

But just like selecting a plane or finding the perfect ride, buying train tickets is often a troublesome experience. After all, you still need to queue up in line when purchasing tickets from the station—not to mention the amount of time you need just to fill out the right information. So, it’s safe to say that if you’re in a rush to make the necessary preparations for a business trip at the last minute, waiting in line might be the last thing you want to do.

Instead of wasting too much time standing around, consider going online and looking it up. Since you can do this anywhere with a smartphone in hand, you’re basically on your own. Therefore, you might end up somewhere on the internet without making any progress toward getting your tickets. Fortunately, there are various ways you can try to make your online experience easier.

  1. Consider Your Options

Just like when booking a bus, you compare bus tickets the same way you visit different train ticket sites online. Because even though traveling is a rare opportunity, it’s not the cheapest way to de-stress for many people. Regardless, that shouldn’t stop you from taking that trip you’ve always wanted. To enjoy yourself to the fullest, ensure you pour your money into the right sources.

When it comes to different websites, always remember that they all offer different benefits to entice potential customers to purchase their train tickets. Therefore, instead of diving into the first website you see, take your time collecting all the websites on the internet that sell the train tickets you need for your destination. Ensure the website you’re going through has an easy-to-access interface. Otherwise, you might end up taking as much time as you did when waiting in line.

2. Book Early

Among the many rookie mistakes travelers make, booking late is probably one of the worst offenses you can do. After all, ‘the early bird catches the worm.’ If you start looking at the deals for train tickets weeks in advance, you’ll notice just how cheap they are depending on the season. For those who are still new at traveling, travelers must remember different types of seasons: high season, shoulder season, and off-season. 

In-season is when tourist spots are at their busiest, considering the volume of travelers is much denser around this time. Since there’s a lot more demand, it’ll be much more challenging to reserve tickets. Shoulder season is a decent middle ground because this is when traveler density isn’t that high, making it perfect for traveling. The off-season is when there are little to no tourists. Since that’s the case, websites would give their train ticket discounts to entice more customers.

3. Include Preferences

Besides discounts, early birds also have more freedom in selecting a train that accommodates their needs. For those who want to catch up with their sleep, sleeper (or night) trains have compartments designed for an overnight journey, complete with a private lavatory and even double beds per your request. Furthermore, you’re free to choose which seats you can take.

Where you sit determines how your entire train ride will go since that’s where you’ll stay most of the time unless you book a compartment. For example, reserve a seat with the letters A or D if you want to enjoy the view outside. Although, these spots usually have temperature issues. Be thorough in checking out different trains. Look for reviews that shed light on what services they offer. See if they align with your preferences.

4. Validate Your Ticket

Now you have your ticket (and you’ve already checked your details multiple times), be ready to get it validated. Every train station has validation machines for those who prefer to have their tickets printed. Once they’re validated, have a conductor punch it, and that’s it. However, if you want a fully digital experience, don’t forget to bring the valid ID you used to have them read by the conductor or the post.

Takeaway

Traveling is a fun way to de-stress and see all sorts of sights the place has to offer. Taking the train is an excellent option if you want to go around without going to an airline or booking a car ride. Fortunately, you can purchase tickets from the station or online. But for the sake of efficiency, there are tips any traveler must learn to know how to buy tickets online.

How to get the best rates on international parcel delivery?

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International parcel delivery can be a great way to send packages to friends and loved ones overseas. However, it can be costly if you’re not careful. We’ll give you some tips on how to get the best rates on international parcel delivery so that you can save money on your next shipment. 

Compare rates from different shipping companies

There are a number of different companies that offer international parcel delivery, and they all have different rates. By shopping around and comparing rates, you’ll be able to find the company that offers the best rate for your particular shipment. 

Look for discounts

Many shipping companies offer discounts for online bookings, volume discounts, and other promotions. Be sure to check the websites of various shipping companies to see if there are any discounts that you could take advantage of. 

Consider using a shipping consolidator

A shipping consolidator is a company that consolidates multiple packages into one larger shipment in order to save on shipping costs. This can be a great option if you’re sending multiple packages, as you’ll only have to pay the Consolidator’s shipping fee once. (Tip: To find a reputable shipping consolidator, ask your friends or family members who have recently sent an international shipment if they used a consolidator and if they were happy with the service. You can also search for “shipping consolidators” online to find a list of companies that offer this service.) 

Ship during off-peak seasons

Rates for international parcel delivery tend to be higher during peak shipping seasons like Christmas and Easter. If possible, try to ship your package during an off-peak season when rates are typically lower. 

By following these tips, you’ll be able to get the best possible rate on your next international parcel delivery. Happy shipping! 

$5 Million Raised to Support Critical Needs of Charlotte Jewish Community

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Amid a spike in antisemitism and ongoing challenges, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte has exceeded a milestone of $5 million in funds raised to meet the pressing needs of the Jewish community in Charlotte. The generous support of the Charlotte Jewish community allows Federation to enrich Jewish life in the Greater Charlotte region and around the world through allocations to more than 70 local and global organizations that work to consistently support and provide for communities’ needs.

“We are deeply thankful to our close to 1600 donors who have generously given to our annual campaign, and who continue to contribute to building a thriving Jewish community in greater Charlotte,” said Chief Development and Marketing Officer Sam Bernstein. “These funds are essential in rallying our community against the rise in antisemitism and in supporting the safety-net organizations that keep our community moving forward. Federation plays a critical role in maintaining vibrant Jewish life and we are looking forward to the impact this campaign will make.”

The 2022 Annual Campaign that was led by Campaign Chair Sara Kulbersh, will support the Charlotte Jewish community in the following ways:

  • Supporting Federation’s more than 70 beneficiary agencies that engage Jewish youth, support Jews in need, build Jewish identity, and promote Jewish education.
  • Meeting the needs of Jews in Israel and around the world.
  • Funding the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s newest initiative, Outshine Hate: Together Against Antisemitism, to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel hatred, and educate the wider Charlotte community.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is proud to work with a large number of visionary individuals and families who have helped to build Charlotte’s strong Jewish community through their generous support of the annual campaign.

Federation is especially thankful for the support of The Leon Levine Foundation. Their $950,000 gift is the largest in our partnership’s history.

“Enhancing vibrant Jewish communities is a core part of The Leon Levine Foundation’s mission, and few do that better than the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte,” said Tom Lawrence, President of The Leon Levine Foundation.

“Their work as a convener and collaborator is critical, and their fundraising prowess continues to benefit the entire Charlotte Jewish community. Reaching this significant milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Federation team and the generosity of the Charlotte Jewish community,” continued Lawrence.

The Leon Levine Foundation supports programs and organizations that improve the human condition through investments in education, healthcare, human services, and Jewish values. They have been a vital partner of the Federation for many decades.

“The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is committed to fulfilling its mission as a community builder and convener for the Jewish community in our region and around the world,” said Sue Worrel, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. “Our $5 million annual campaign is an incredible investment in Jewish life here on behalf of our donors. We could not have reached this milestone without the hard work of our staff and the benevolence of our supporters.”

To learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s local and global impact, visit www.jewishcharlotte.org.

Panthers Win Their First Game After 9 Straight Losses To Go 1-2 For The Season

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The Panthers finally won!

The team that many have been loving to hate just ended their 9-game losing streak by beating the Saints 22-14 at the Bank of America Stadium.

The win was largely thanks to our defense and special teams, with DE Marquis Haynes Sr. recovering a fumble for an early touchdown, a special teams blocked field goal (our first since 2019), and 2 interceptions from Derrick Brown and Jaycee Horn.

Moving forward, the Panthers really need to step up their offense, as they now face 4 teams that made the playoffs last year – Cardinals, 49ers, Rams, and Buccs.

How do you think the Panthers are playing this year?

Do you think we’ll make it to the playoffs?

Tips For Safe Gambling Online in 2022

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There’s no shying away from the fact that the gambling industry doesn’t seem to slow down anytime soon. And now that we are two years into the global pandemic, online casinos have become hugely popular. 

While traditional games have been around for quite some time, novelties are constantly appearing, and we don’t seem to get enough of them. The massive evolution of technology and the internet has boosted the gambling industry. Web-based casinos and online gaming services have emerged as rage across the globe. 

While it’s a lot of fun to gamble online, it does come with a set of risks. Below, we have outlined tips for a safe gambling experience:

  • Seek a Well Reputable Casino

Before you create an account somewhere or register, you should be mindful of the services that they will offer. Always be mindful about the first casino that you come across. You cannot be rushed through things. After all, the internet is flooded with tons of casinos. 

If you make the wrong choice, you could possibly lose all of your money. Now that there are several casinos, one can easily get overwhelmed. Thus, it’s best if you read the client reviews before making your choice. For instance, if you wish to play pokies online, you must read the client reviews before making your choice. 

  • Create a Strong password

It’s important that you cover the base by checking the safety protocols of the operator. Also, you need to check for potential security leaks. As a rule of thumb, you need to set a strong password. You don’t have to come up with one yourself if you have issues with it. 

There are plenty of free-to-use browser extensions that help you manage passwords easily. If you don’t have a strong password, the hacker will easily find your account to be vulnerable. Having an above-average and strong password means there are strong barriers to entry into your account. 

  • Check the Website’s Safety Protocols

As a newbie, it is fair enough to have reservations in mind. After all, anyone can get overwhelmed with the experience of gambling online. Apart from checking if the operator does have a registered account, you would also want to see if the website is encrypted or not. This is a crucial part of the process and one that you cannot ignore. 

An unsecured website will be a big risk for your money. Visit a veteran gambling website, so you get to know what an encrypted site looks like. 

  • Never Use Public WIFI

We recommend you keep miles away from using the public WIFI network. Otherwise, you will be in a lot of trouble. Especially when you have to share information online, using public WIFI can be a big risk. This tip is by far the most important when gambling online. And especially when you’re about to make a financial transaction, you should avoid using public WIFI. 

You could be losing all of your funds if the hacker tracks the IP of your phone. Public WIFIs are by far the most dangerous spots for anyone who is gambling online. 

  • Beware of a Casino That Requires Downloading a Software

Every online casino can easily be joined without you having to download software or even a plug-in. But if you find a casino asking you to download any software, you should take it as a red flag. 

Even when going through betting sites, you won’t have to go through the demand of downloading a typical software. Usually, scammers are behind such schemes in the pursuit of looting all your money. 

  • Know The Red Flags

If you have some experience of gambling before, you must have read about several red flags in the past. One of them is, if the website is asking for more than you can afford to lose at the deposit stage, you need to get rid of them. 

Today, with hundreds of betting websites, choosing the best one can be daunting. While most professional gamblers know the red flags, they will be mindful about every move that they make. They will even keep away from any website that is a big risk for them. Nowadays, gambling has become the norm, so people are hands on at knowing the right websites.