Charlotte, since 2011
Nobody should have to grow up alone at 18.
Lanternhouse gives young adults leaving foster care a place to live, an adult in their corner, and a real path to work. Free, for as long as it takes.
Where do you want to start?
- You found us
- You picked a way in
- You got where you needed
You're already a third of the way there.
Good. Here are the fastest ways in.
Good. Here are the fastest ways in.
Good. Here are the fastest ways in.
Last year at Lanternhouse
Last year, 1,186 young adults came through our door. 87% of the people who moved out of our apartments still had a home a year later. 318 mentors kept showing up. And the porch light stayed on all 365 nights.
Six programs. One front door.
Most people start with a conversation at The Porch. From there, a navigator helps you pick what you need, in whatever order makes sense for your life.
All programs-
Landing HomesHousingFurnished apartments with up to 24 months of rent support, a key on day one, and someone to call when the pipe bursts. -
Anchor MentorsMentoringOne trained adult, matched for at least two years, who answers the phone at 11 p.m. and shows up for the graduation. -
PathwaysEducation and workGED to graduate school, apprenticeships to first paychecks. Paid training, tuition help, and an employer network that hires our people. -
Life LabLife skills and moneyThe stuff nobody taught you, taught by people who had to learn it the hard way. Plus a savings match that doubles every dollar. -
WellbeingHealth and counselingFree counseling with licensed therapists, peer support groups, and a health navigator who will sit with you in the waiting room. -
Young ParentsFamiliesSupport for young moms and dads who are breaking the cycle in real time: childcare help, parenting circles, and two-bedroom apartments.
Aaliyah, 22, Pathways
Everybody told me what I couldn't do. Ms. Carla just asked what I wanted to do, and then she found out how.
She moved between seven placements in four years. This May, she crossed the stage at UNC Charlotte with a degree in public health.
If the light's on, come in.
The Porch is our drop-in center in West End: hot dinner every night at 6, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, and navigators who can help with almost anything. No appointment.
- Where
- 2210 Wesley Commons Drive, Charlotte
- When
- Every day, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Buses
- Routes 7, 8, and the Gold Line stop within two blocks
Coming up
- The Lantern Walk
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Romare Bearden Park, Uptown Charlotte
- Anchor Mentor information session
6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., Online, link sent after you register
- Move-In Day volunteer build
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Lanternhouse warehouse, 1330 Toddville Road
Keep the light on for the next one.
Every gift goes to work in Charlotte, right away.
Pathways employer and funding partners include
- Queen City Health
- Piedmont Electric Co-op
- Carolina Trust Bank
- Tryon Logistics
- Southend Builders
- Catawba Foundation
- Mecklenburg Family Fund
- Uptown Rotary