In 1984 a need was identified to shelter and serve homeless families, including fathers and older male children.  A collaboration between the Mecklenburg County Women’s Commission, congregations and other shelters in the Charlotte area led to the development of Charlotte Emergency Housing to meet this growing need.  The agency opened its doors in 1985 in a rented four room house in front of the YWCA on Park Road and four rooms that were also rented from the YWCA for single women. 

Through a community-wide fund-drive, Charlotte Emergency Housing was able to build its own debt-free facility called Plaza Place in 1991.  The fourteen bedroom facility was specifically designed to serve homeless families and single women.