Charlotte Veteran Evicted Despite Earmarked Housing Aid
A Charlotte Army veteran, Shauntel Gaines, faced eviction in late 2024, despite thousands of dollars in housing aid being specifically earmarked for her and sent to Our Hearts Our Heroes, a local veteran housing company. This disturbing event triggered a monthslong WBTV investigation, revealing troubling business practices and unaccounted funds.
The Eviction of Shauntel Gaines
Shauntel Gaines moved to Charlotte to escape domestic violence. While working to help other homeless veterans, she met Karen Blackmon, owner of Our Hearts Our Heroes. The company claimed to assist veterans with housing, often by acting as a lease guarantor for those who didn’t meet standard income requirements. Gaines, needing a guarantor for her apartment, relied on Blackmon’s company for support.
Housing Aid Vanishes, Eviction Proceeds
In fall 2024, Gaines paid Blackmon hundreds for rent and was assured future payments were covered by donations. However, her landlord initiated eviction proceedings, citing unpaid rent. Documents show the Tunnels to Towers Foundation wired $6,696 to Our Hearts Our Heroes in November 2024, explicitly for Gaines’ rent. Despite this, the eviction was finalized, and Gaines received a padlock notice on November 22, 2024. The landlord’s December balance sheet confirmed over $7,000 in rent and utilities remained unpaid. Gaines believes Our Hearts Our Heroes still owes her over $12,000, including direct payments, donations, and unrefunded deposits, leaving her with a permanent eviction record and significant financial strain.
WBTV Investigation Uncovers Troubling Patterns
WBTV’s attempts to contact Karen Blackmon for a response were unsuccessful. Blackmon initially promised documentation of repayment but never provided it and canceled interviews. A friend later stated Blackmon was experiencing “physical and mental issues” and was unavailable. The investigation also revealed Our Hearts Our Heroes is a defendant in 18 Mecklenburg County eviction filings over two years, with 13 resulting in evictions. Kelly Durden of the Charlotte Center for Legal Aid warned against the company’s “unconventional” model, highlighting that North Carolina laws make eviction records nearly impossible to clear, permanently impacting veterans.
Funds Flow vs. Funds Used: A Snapshot
The discrepancy in funds intended for Shauntel Gaines is a central concern:
| Source of Funds | Amount / Details | Outcome Reported by Landlord / Gaines |
|---|---|---|
| Shauntel Gaines (Direct) | Hundreds for Sept. & Nov. rent | Landlord reported rent unpaid. |
| Tunnels to Towers Foundation | $6,696 (wired to Our Hearts Our Heroes for Gaines’ rent) | Landlord reported rent unpaid, eviction finalized. |
| Total Owed (Landlord) | Over $7,000 (rent & utilities) | Remained unpaid, leading to Gaines’ eviction. |
| Total Owed (Gaines’ Estimate) | Over $12,000 (direct payments, donations, deposits) | Unrecovered, resulting in significant financial and credit damage. |
What’s Next for This Ongoing Story?
Part 2 of WBTV’s investigation, scheduled for Friday, November 14, will delve deeper into Karen Blackmon’s history of unpaid court debts and other business ventures. It will also reveal that Our Hearts Our Heroes allegedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant payments for veterans’ housing aid even while evictions against the company were accumulating, prompting further questions about financial accountability and oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions for Charlotte Veterans
- What is Our Hearts Our Heroes?
A Charlotte company led by Karen Blackmon, which claimed to help homeless veterans with housing, often by acting as a lease guarantor. - Why was Shauntel Gaines evicted?
Despite direct payments from Gaines and a $6,696 donation specifically for her rent wired to Our Hearts Our Heroes, her landlord reported the rent unpaid, leading to her eviction. - Are other veterans affected?
Yes, Our Hearts Our Heroes has been named in 18 Mecklenburg County eviction filings since late 2023, with 13 resulting in evictions. - Can an eviction record be cleared?
In North Carolina, eviction records are generally permanent and difficult to remove, creating long-term housing challenges for affected individuals.
For Charlotte veterans and residents, this investigation underscores the critical importance of thoroughly vetting organizations offering housing assistance. Always verify how funds are managed and prioritize working with established, transparent entities to protect yourself and ensure aid reaches its intended destination.
Charlotte Vet Evicted Housing Aid Diverted
