Within two months of connecting with Lotus Campaign, Crystal and Brandon had a home to call their own.
That’s in stark contrast to other attempts the couple made to secure housing after being homeless for a year and a half. They got close to qualifying for housing through a government-assisted program. But in an ironic twist, earned $176 too much income per year, pricing them out of the program.
Recovering from addictions and determined to get out of homelessness – and regain custody of her two young daughters and have a place for her young adult children to come – Crystal and Brandon had landed at Hope Haven in Charlotte. Seeing how committed they were to creating a stable life for themselves, Hope Haven connected them to Lotus. Recognizing that many housing insecure individuals and families face multiple barriers in their efforts to secure a lease, Lotus’ requirements for housing are much less restrictive than most other programs. And Lotus offers much more support in terms of securing housing, and helping residents stay housed. Lotus helped Crystal and Brandon bypass a credit check, and paid their move-in fees, so they could gain stability through housing sooner rather than later.
They moved into a one bedroom apartment at Kimmerly Glenn Apartments in November 2025. Kimmerly Glenn, located in a Charlotte neighborhood of opportunity near public transit, grocery stores, and good jobs, is owned by Lotus participating landlord partner Ascent Housing.
“Lotus is a life-changing program, and they are so easy to work with,” shared Crystal. “They are true partners. We trust Lotus Campaign with everything we have.” That trust extends to Lotus’ partners as well. The couple’s property manager is supporting their efforts to get custody of Crystal’s daughters by vouching for their stability.
Since participating in the Lotus program, they got their drivers licenses, secured a vehicle, and both are now employed. Brandon serves as a manager at Monarch Market. He also expressed immense pride in being able to use his position to help facilitate employment opportunities for at least six individuals who were actively in recovery or experiencing homelessness. Crystal is a cashier at American Deli, and is training to become an assistant manager.
Less than one year after they first moved into the Lotus-sponsored property, Crystal and Brandon were able to move into a two-bedroom in the same neighborhood, qualifying for a lease on their own, without Lotus’ support. That two bedroom puts them one step closer to regaining custody of Crystal’s children, and leaps ahead in their long term stability.
See Crystal and Brandon tell their own story in this Spectrum News.
