QC Family Tree

“Found your hope, then, on the ground under your feet. Your hope of Heaven, let it rest on the ground Underfoot. Be it lighted by the light that falls freely upon it after the darkness of the nights.” ~ Wendell Berry, Leavings

We live in a fragmented world plagued by disconnection, distraction, and injustice. But there is hope; there is another way. QC Family Tree works to embody an alternative, a way of life that is centered, whole, and founded on love. We who call ourselves QC Family Tree seek to be kinfolk rooted in discipleship in West Charlotte.

Since 2005, we have been living in Enderly Park because we believe that living here is the best way for us to be converted into the way of Jesus. We have met many friends and neighbors who have been our teachers and companions in discipleship. We have sought to “inspire, enrich, and embody community” in our ministry and in our common life, and we have found that we have been inspired by the faithfulness and goodness of those around us. We hope that our lives have at some points enriched the lives of others, whether they are neighbors, friends, or volunteers.

When you come to visit The Family Tree, you will see family in action. You will see that we are about the business of joining God in the work of creativity. We’ll be telling stories, singing songs, making art, growing gardens, and chasing after the lively Spirit who inspires us to work together to build a better neighborhood…to build a better world.

You will see us framing our days with prayer. We invite you to join us in prayer wherever you are as we pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in Heaven. You’ll see us welcoming folks in, because that’s what you do for your family. We will keep eating together “family-style,” because now we know no other way to eat.

Learn more at qcfamilytree.org. You can also follow QC Family Tree on Facebook and Twitter!

In the News

• QC Family Tree: Communal Living and Community Building – Fox46 Charlotte
• Stop talking about gentrification – Baptist News Global
• Moving against gentrification: Here are your action items – Charlotte Agenda 
• New nonprofit coffee shop an experiment in entrepreneurship – Charlotte Observer
• What is missing from our talk about affordable housing – Charlotte Agenda
• Helms and Greg Jarrell, co-founders of QC Family Tree, receive Mecklenburg Ministries (regional interfaith alliance) Bridge Builder Award

QC Family Tree serves a variety of families and households. Among those in their immediate vicinity are five young adults who are experiencing difficulty in moving from adolescence into full independence as adults. Each brings a variety of gifts and abilities, as well as complex sets of adverse experiences from their childhoods. This project will start a small support group that will include mental health support from a licensed provider, as well as regular meetings with a mentor who can help to address daily experiences around household maintenance, financial skills, employment skills, and other daily needs.

Mission Area: At-Risk Children and Youth

Grant Amount: $10,000