Beyond the Bricks: Affordable Housing For the Carolinas Launches Transformative Arts Partnership with Blumenthal Performing Arts

Affordable Housing For the Carolinas (AHFTC) is proud to announce the kickoff of a transformative partnership with Blumenthal Performing Arts. This collaboration launched in an unforgettable way on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as 39 families and community members gathered at the Belk Theater to attend Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations. For many, it was their very first time experiencing the magic of Broadway in the heart of a big city.

This initiative, titled Beyond the Bricks, is designed to enrich the lives of Carolina residents not just through safe, stable housing—but through connection, culture, and creativity. Our goal is to help families go beyond the physical walls of their homes and into spaces that feed the soul and expand the imagination.

The Power of the Arts to Strengthen Families

At AHFTC, we believe housing is more than shelter—it’s the foundation of a thriving family and community. But to truly flourish, families need more than four walls and a roof. They need joy. They need inspiration. They need exposure to the arts.

Studies show that engagement with the arts improves mental health, boosts academic performance in youth, strengthens family bonds, and fosters empathy across generations. According to Americans for the Arts, students with access to arts education are five times less likely to drop out of school and twice as likely to graduate college. For adults, the arts have been linked to lower stress, greater life satisfaction, and increased civic engagement.

Families are the nucleus of every home and every community. When we create opportunities for families to grow together—through shared experiences like a night at the theater—we strengthen the core of our neighborhoods.

Housing Burden, Limited Joy

Currently, 47% of renters and 27% of homeowners across Charlotte and the greater region spend over 30% of their income on housing costs. This cost burden leaves little to no room for families to cover essentials such as utilities, healthcare, transportation, childcare—and certainly not cultural enrichment or entertainment.

AHFTC’s mission is to help Carolina residents overcome these barriers and increase their quality of life. Through initiatives like Beyond the Bricks, we’re committed to addressing the full picture of what it means to live well.

A Night to Remember

Our inaugural theater night brought together individuals from all walks of life—families with children, married couples, young adults seeking inspiration, and supporters who believe in our work. The impact was immediate and profound. The joy was visible. And the gratitude was overwhelming.

These families didn’t just attend a show—they were part of something larger. They saw themselves reflected on stage, experienced community in new ways, and returned home inspired and hopeful.

How You Can Help

This powerful evening was made possible through the generosity of our supporters and our partnership with Blumenthal Performing Arts—but we can’t stop here. With your support, we can continue to create housing stability, life-changing experiences, and a sense of belonging for families across the Carolinas.

Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Make a donation to support our Home Inspection and Critical Home Repair Program:https://givebutter.com/cpJtnd

• Donate a new pair of shoes for a child or teen through Mylan’s Shoe Closet:https://www.ahftc.org/mylansshoecloset

• Volunteer as a youth mentor or community advocate

• Contribute to our Annual Fundraiser in March 2026 with in-kind gifts or sponsorship

Together, we can go beyond the bricks to build stronger families, richer lives, and more vibrant communities.