Today, C-U at Home is a ministry dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness through a strategic focus on mid-barrier and advanced shelter services. Guided by a framework approved by the Board of Directors in February 2022, C-U at Home provides personalized care through intensive case management and comprehensive wrap-around services, ensuring that each client receives the support needed to achieve stability.

 

In late 2021, recognizing a critical gap in the community, C-U at Home partnered with local churches to operate a temporary winter emergency shelter. This collaboration provided shelter to 169 individuals, reaffirming C-U at Home’s commitment to mid-barrier support while addressing the complexities of low-barrier needs. Earlier that year, the organization made a strategic pivot to a more structured model, prioritizing the safety of both staff and residents. This shift was informed by their experience with low-barrier services, highlighting the necessity of tailored approaches to meet diverse client needs.

 

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, C-U at Home played a crucial role in providing emergency shelter services, quickly adapting to the evolving needs of the community. Despite facing staffing shortages and temporary service reductions, the organization remained a lifeline for those seeking shelter and stability in challenging times.

 

The story of C-U at Home began in 2011 with founder Melany Jackson, whose deep commitment to serving those without a home laid the foundation for the organization’s mission. Participating in outreach efforts of ministries like the Canteen Run, bringing essentials directly to those in need, Melany’s determination to make a difference led her to liquidate her assets and establish C-U at Home as a full-time endeavor. By 2012, she became the Executive Director, guiding the organization’s growth to include a daytime drop-in center, housing for those in critical need, and One Winter Night which remains C-U at Home’s largest fundraiser and community awareness event, and takes place the first Friday in February each year.

 

From its humble beginnings as a small volunteer-driven effort to its current role as a key provider of shelter and support, C-U at Home has remained committed to serving the community’s most vulnerable. What began as Melany’s vision has evolved into a resilient organization that continues to adapt to the changing needs of those facing homelessness. Today, C-U at Home remains steadfast in its mission: to support and empower individuals who are experiencing homelessness.