Constructed as Charlotte's first Single Room Occupancy facility for homeless men who are physically, developmentally, or mentally disabled, McCreesh Place opened in 2003. Father Eugene McCreesh, founder of St. Peter’s Homes, initiated the idea to create affordable housing to alleviate homelessness and human suffering of those he called “beloved sons.” After his death in 2001, the work of Father McCreesh moved forward through the combined efforts of the Charlotte religious community, the City of Charlotte, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and various local corporations and individuals. Each of the sixty-three residents has a small bedroom; four men share a bathroom suite; eight men share a kitchen. All who are able do their own cooking and housekeeping. Each man is required to pay a monthly rental fee equal to 30% of his income, with the current average being $190. The actual cost per unit is nearly $300, far below the fair market rent of $549 for a comparable Charlotte housing unit in 2005. Case managers guide residents through contacts with community resources. GED tutoring, cooking classes, crafts workshops, and other activities are available for the men. Through its membership in Jeremiah 29.7, a consortium of churches, PUMC has been involved with the SRO project since its inception. In 2002, several PUMC members began to support the program. At the 2003 dedication ceremony, PUMC was one of twelve local churches honored for its partnership.

PUMC History