Shared-living with a purpose

We are a husband-and-wife team committed to creating safe, structured, and supportive housing for veterans and individuals in recovery.

Sean is disabled veteran who has been in recovery for over 19 years. Sean understands first-hand the challenges veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life, and the importance of safe, drug-free housing in sustaining long-term recovery.

Ilissa is corporate executive with 20+ years of experience leading commercial operations and a lifelong entrepreneur who launched a multifamily low-income housing business in her twenties. She brings both business expertise and a proven track record in real estate operations.

Together, guided by our Christian values, we are using our experience to build homes that restore dignity, community, and hope.

Why Shared-Housing Matters

High Demand, High Impact – The need for safe, substance-free housing is urgent

37,000+ U.S. Veterans

Are homeless on any given night.

Charlotte Insight: Veterans make up 7–8% of Charlotte’s homeless population.

20+ Million Americans

Struggle with substance abuse disorders.

1 in 4 women & 1 in 9 men

experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes, many requiring safe transitional housing.

Charlotte Insight: Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children in Charlotte.

~50,000 people are trafficked within the US each year

Many survivors need long-term supportive housing to rebuild their lives

Charlotte Insight: As a major Southeast transit hub, Charlotte faces high trafficking

Structure & Oversight – Our homes are not “flophouses.” They are highly structured, well-maintained residences with strict rules. Residents are required to live substance-free, contribute to the household, and participate in recovery. Any drug or alcohol use leads to immediate eviction.

Community & Accountability – These homes are built on peer support, accountability, and respect. They provide residents with a stable environment to work, reconnect with family, and grow into self-sufficiency.

Get Details

Breaking Myths

Myth: Substance-free homes are only for alcoholics or drug addicts.

Truth: “Sober” means the environment is alcohol- and drug-free. While many residents are in recovery, sober living also serves those needing safe, transitional housing: homeless individuals, veterans, domestic violence survivors, or victims of human trafficking. All tenants live under strict rules, including random drug testing and zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol on the property.

Myth: Sober-living homes bring crime and chaos.

Truth: Studies show that well-managed substance-free homes reduce neighborhood crime rates by offering stability, supervision, and accountability.

Myth: Tenants are unreliable.

Truth: Residents pay the program. Grace Haven Homes pays the landlord. Our model ensures consistent, on-time rent to landlords, regardless of individual tenant circumstances.

Myth: My HOA or neighborhood won't allow a shared living home.

Truth: Federal law protects the right of individuals to live together in shared housing environments, including substance-free homes. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals choosing to live in a substance-free environment are considered a protected class.

This means:

- HOAs and cities cannot enforce rules or zoning laws that ban shared living environments simply because of who lives there.

- Shared housing homes are legally treated as single-family residences when operated properly.

- Courts have consistently upheld that fair housing protections override HOA restrictions when they attempt to exclude shared living arrangements.

At Grace Haven Homes, we operate respectfully, maintain our properties to high standards, and encourage open communication with neighbors. Our mission is to provide safe, supportive, and substance-free housing that helps residents rebuild their lives and strengthens the community as a whole.

Reference: Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601–3619; Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq..

Myth: These homes aren’t cared for.

Truth: Our properties are professionally managed, inspected regularly, and kept in excellent condition—protecting your investment.

Why Partner With Us

Reliable, Long-Term Rent – Rent is paid by our organization, not by individual tenants, ensuring steady income and fewer vacancies.

Hands-Off Management – We handle all tenant screening, oversight, and maintenance. Landlords don’t have to deal with late payments, turnover, or problem tenants.

Experienced Operators – With Sean’s 19 years of lived recovery experience and Ilissa’s corporate and housing background, we bring both compassion and proven business discipline.

Positive Impact – By renting to us, you’re not only securing a stable, long-term tenant—you’re also playing a direct role in helping veterans and people in recovery rebuild their lives.

Our Mission

To provide safe, sober, and supportive housing where veterans and individuals in transition can heal, rebuild, and thrive—while giving landlords peace of mind and reliable returns.

Together, we can create homes that change lives—while protecting and growing your investment.

Resident Portal