Here at Queen City Metal Recycling & Salvage Inc. in Charlotte, NC, we strive to support and raise awareness about homelessness and mental health and illness. One of our top priorities as a nonprofit is to give back to the community we know and love. Our company also offers a Second Chance program that helps create jobs, promotes growth, rebuilds credit, and improves the homeless and mentally ill’s financial stability.
On June 17th, 2015, we are hosting a charity event to support our homeless and mentally ill population. This special event will take place at Sugar Creek Brewery from 5-9 pm. There will be delicious food and beer to enjoy throughout the evening, and we will also be accepting donations and hosting a silent auction to benefit those in need. Those attending are encouraged to bring recycled items to donate, which we will then turn into forged products.
Many people think that people choose to be homeless. However, this is not the case. No child dreams about being homeless when they grow up. Being homeless is a challenging situation to be in, and no one should have to go through it.
Many homeless people grew up in sound, stable households without drug abuse, physical abuse, alcoholism, etc. Most of these people are not only without a home; they also suffer from one or more mental illnesses. A few common diseases include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Many of those who have these mental conditions and other health issues cannot pay for the medications they need. According to one homeless woman we spoke with, even some of the places that are supposed to help the homeless don’t help much at all.
In reality, it costs tax-payers more money to allow people to live on the streets and commit petty crimes to get food or lodging than it does to help them. At Queen City Metal Recycling & Salvage, we are calling on the community to join hands and battle homelessness and mental illness together. If one person can make a difference, imagine how much of an impact an entire community could make?
It could be your mother, brother, neighbor, or friend who is just one step away from living on the street or suffering from a mental illness. You could be the difference-maker. So, the next time you see someone on the street, remember that they don’t want to be there. Find it in your heart to give back to your community and help us recycle lives for a better tomorrow.