Charlotte witnessed something rare and remarkable on Aug. 20: the birth and open house of a safe haven for women rebuilding their lives. The Butterfly House opened its doors not just as a residence, but as a sanctuary. A place where women in recovery can finally breathe, heal and take the first steps toward independence.
Across the United States, more than seven million affordable homes are missing from the housing market, leaving thousands of women in recovery without a stable place to land. In North Carolina, the housing crisis has reached alarming levels, with only 41 affordable homes available for every 100 families in need. Add to that the fact that 12 North Carolinians die every single day from an overdose, and the picture becomes painfully clear: Women battling substance use and trauma are too often left without the housing, counseling and support they need to heal and thrive.
Yet, within this storm of alarming statistics, The Butterfly House emerges as a lighthouse of transformation and hope. At its packed Open House celebration, this writer and community members filled the house with excitement, touring a space carefully furnished and decorated with warm colors, thoughtful wall art and the promise of new beginnings.
We talked with L’Monique King, visionary and co-founder of The Butterfly House (also a Qnotes staff writer), to explore the mission and vision that fuels this work and the future she and her partner Toii (both former foster parents for LGBT youth) are building for the women who will call this place home…