Safe Overnight Parking for Homeless Families

HOW IT STARTED


On January 23rd 2020 the General Manager at Kiplin Automotive posted a community service bulletin on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/372150972897814/posts/2576190372493852/?d=n)

Little did he know that thousands of people around the country would respond.  Multiple news and social media outlets would carry his story resulting in hundreds of people calling the business to either volunteer their services or thank him for what he was offering to do.  

It was a simple idea really, as a car dealership the business had extra room on the lot that was not being used and a thought came to mind that people who are living in their vehicles due to homelessness could park their cars in those empty spaces overnight, minimizing issues of safety and providing a welcoming place to park and sleep at night.


This turned out to be a very significant thought because people were actually living in their cars and had no place that welcomed them to stay on their property at night.  The majority of the people who were sleeping in their vehicles were usually trespassing, sleeping in fear and could not enjoy a simple good night sleep, even though it was in their own car.

WHY HE TOOK IT PERSONAL

Since the FaceBook post, many have asked 'why would he do such a thing?' Where did the idea come from? Well, James has encountered a few homeless people living in their car over the past few years.  Mr. Yates, was one on the first homeless individuals that we encountered that was living in his car. He stayed on the property for over one year until he passed away.   James and his family were once in a position where they were homeless for over 90 days, moving from hotel to hotel and experiencing the anxiety that comes along from not having a stable roof over their heads.

 As a result of his personal experience it was easy for him to open up the spaces to families in need with the hope of being able to help them to transition into a better situation.  Never in a million years would he have imagined the amount of support that he has encountered in the past few days from people in the community willing to invest in lending a helping hand to their fellow man whether it be financial, clothing or food.  

(Donation 2/12/2020: Hand woven hats)

In addition, to the support from the local and surrouunding communities there are calls coming in from all over the country from places like Texas, Michigan, Washington State, California and even as far as Canada.  More importantly, everyday individuals have shown an eagerness to participate in something that appears more like a movement to significantly and substantially impact the lives of homeless individuals and families who have fallen on hard times in the city of Charlotte, NC.

PARTNERING WITH A NON-PROFIT

Due to the overwhelming response of everyday people, the family behind Kiplin Automotive started a non-profit organization called HALO Now.  HALO Now stands for Helping and Leading Others NOW.  

This organization has found its purpose in the helping homeless individuals and families who are in crisis and are living in their cars to have  an immediate need met, a safe place to park overnight.  The process from homelessness to a permanent solution can take up to 2 weeks or longer.  This is where Kiplin Automotive can provide a temporary solution by offering Safe Space for overnight parking.  HALO Now will expand the overnight safe space parking initiative and help provide homeless individuals and families that are living in their vehicles with security deposit and first month rent.  We believe that the average family will need $2500 in assistance based on survey results provided by rent cafe.



KEEPING FAMILIES IN CRISIS UNITED

We are specifically motivated to keep homeless families (husband, wife and children) together.  The majority of existing programs separate husband, wife and children, sending them in different directions while they wait for assistance to secure permanent housing.  As a strong proponent for keeping families together during such a difficult and sensitive time we will not divide the family but look to help them stay together during their challenging time.  If you have ever been separated from a loved one for any period of time and it was beyond your control then you understand why a family would want to stay together through the journey of homelessness.


LET'S HELP 100 HOMELESS FAMILIES THIS YEAR

This GoFund Me is specifically set up to allow for you to partner with HALO Now, as  Kiplin Automotive will continue to do, to help finance these short term solutions for homeless individuals and families that are in crisis living in their cars.  


The reason why we set a goal to raise 250K is because we believe that the average family will need about $2500 in  housing assistance and other resources.  We anticipate that the $250K will cover the first 100 homeless families and individuals in need.  

NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL

Any donations, no matter how small, will go towards helping homeless individuals and families who have fallen in between the cracks and need a helping hand.  One hand washes the other, two hands wash the face.

To all those who will be moved, as we are, to do something NOW to make a difference, on behalf of the homeless families and individuals whose lives will be touched by your contribution, we want to thank you in advance.  

We also want to thank you in advance for sharing this GoFund Me page with as many people as you can.

Help Spread the Word! 

Help HALO Now assist the homeless individuals and families that are living in their cars by providing immediate relief in safe space overnight parking and assisting with their transition from crisis to a more stable and permanent solution.

Donations can also be sent via postal mail to HALO Now, Attention: Charles, POB 38543, Charlotte NC 28278.