They will combine their talent, services and leadership to elevate their quest to end homelessness in the Charlotte region. The new organization will continue to provide all of the services they currently offer, and as one entity will increase their impact in finding and creating permanent housing solutions for the most vulnerable members of our community.

Liz Clasen-Kelly, executive director of Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, will lead the new organization. Her expertise, passion for serving people in need, and experience working within both organizations ensures the best possible transition and future for the new agency.

Urban Ministry Center and Men’s Shelter of Charlotte will continue normal operations until the merger is finalized, which is expected in May. While some structural changes are likely as a result of the merger, significant changes in staffing and services are not expected.

Ending homelessness is a bold and complex undertaking. We believe by combining our talent, services and resources, we will have an even greater capacity to end homelessness, than we would operating independently.  Merging at this time is ideal as Urban Ministry Center’s Founder and Executive Director Dale Mullennix prepares to retire in May after 25 years of remarkable service.

If I am a volunteer or donor, how will this change impact me?

For now, both organizations will continue business as usual until the merger is finalized, but we need your support more than ever as the number of people experiencing homeless is growing. Please continue to serve and give to our respective organizations to whatever degree you feel comfortable, and we will keep you informed of any changes.

More about who will run the new organization:

Men’s Shelter of Charlotte’s Executive Director Liz Clasen-Kelly, who will lead the new organization, has two decades of experience working with issues related to homelessness – – including 7 years working in leadership positions at Urban Ministry Center and Men’s Shelter of Charlotte.

What changes will we see in the two agencies?

Both organizations will continue their normal operations until the merger is finalized. The new organization expects to offer all of the services we do now and will increase our capacity to find permanent housing solutions. From a staff perspective, structural changes are likely, but we are not expecting significant job reductions, in fact, we expect to create new opportunities.

What will the new organization be called?

Each organization will continue to use its own name until the merger is finalized, and we are exploring naming opportunities as we work through our integration planning.

What will be the mission of the new organization?

We will embrace the missions of both organizations and will adopt Urban Ministry Center’s mission statement: “An interfaith agency dedicated to bringing the community together to end homelessness, one life at a time.”

Is Urban Ministry Center affiliated with a particular religion or church?

“Ministry” simply reflects outreach and advocacy for people in need. Both of our organizations are open to people of all faiths or no faith, and there is no expectation of religious participation or beliefs to serve with us or to be served. We do partner with Charlotte’s faith community for support for our programs.