My Sister's House: RTGC's Partners with Community Shelter
Volunteers paint mural at My Sister’s House as part of She Builds project.
This story first appeared in RTGC’s 2023-24 Annual Report, which details the organization’s impact on neighbors in need in the Greater Charlotte area, its financial position, and the need for continued support from the community.
“I promise you I'm here from 8:30 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening,” says L. Denise Shields, “I want to make sure that everything is functioning. Sometimes I don't get to see the women early in the morning, so I want to make sure I know how the day is going when they get in from work and just kind of check in.”
Shields is the program administrator at My Sister’s House, a transitional living program offering housing to single women in the Greater Charlotte area. She says it’s a safe, nurturing environment for people who don’t fit the typical homeless profile. With the rising cost of living, she’s helped build teachers, guidance counselors, mental health professionals, and many others to self-sufficiency.
“It’s a safe haven for women,” Shields explains. “They can come in and do what they need to do, work, save money, and we can help them transition to get on their feet.”
My Sister’s House offers housing and services, such as mental health care, financial literacy training, and self-care to about 20 residents. Even though it’s transitional housing, Shields says it’s important that they feel at home at My Sister’s House.
“For many of our residents, this is their first real refuge from the stresses and challenges they’ve faced,” she says. “A comfortable, supportive environment can significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being.”
Because the building wasn’t originally designed for housing, upkeep is challenging and expensive. Residents pay a very small amount for rent, and if they aren’t working, then they don’t have to pay anything. That means a lot of general maintenance and upgrades are unattainable.
Enter Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte’s She Builds program to provide much-needed repairs. The project at My Sister’s House in June was the first for RTGC’s She Builds program, and funding, material, and volunteer support from Lowe’s Home Improvement, Ally Financial, Red Ventures, and Valspar made the project possible.
“We’re honored that My Sister’s House has welcomed us,” says RTGC Executive Director Beth Morrison, “and we’re very thankful for the investment our supporters made for such an important organization serving the needs of women in our community.”
Over three days, more than 40 volunteers under the guidance of RTGC’s skilled construction staff fully repainted the space, built shelving, installed new appliances, and more. Having that many people at My Sister’s House was a little overwhelming, Shields says.
”Usually here during the day, it's kind of quiet.”
Of all the repairs done at My Sister’s House, though, Shields says her favorite repair is a mural painted by Natalie Daratony.
“Even if you're having a bad day, if you had a rough day at work, once you come into that door and you see that beauty, it just gives you a different sense of purpose, like, ‘I can get through this next few days.’”
Little things like a mural can go a long way to making My Sister’s House feel like home.
“It’s not just about the physical improvements but the sense of community and care it represents. Thank you for all that you do. It makes a huge difference in the lives of the women we serve.”
Volunteers pose for a photo as part of one of the volunteer days at My Sister’s House.
This story on RTGC’s She Builds project at My Sister’s House was first shared in its 2023-24 Annual Report of impact in the Greater Charlotte area.