People looking for affordable rent in Charlotte and surrounding counties may think they've hit the jackpot when they go to www.SocialServe.com. This online service offers Web searchers a spectrum of available, affordable rental properties that can be searched by criteria.
As of early May, there were more than 600 rental properties listed on the site and 290 of those listed were properties eligible for Section 8 voucher holders or fair-market rent.
Van Gottel, president of the nonprofit charitable organization and once a marketing executive for PepsiCo, says the key to the Web site is how easy it is to use.
"Its's very user friendly," he says. "We don't require any registration for people searching for housing. We don't want to scare them off."
SocialServe.com works with real estate, property management, individuals and rental companies to obtain information about affordable rental listings in Charlotte and surrounding areas. The site also includes information about area shelters, bus routes, crime reporting, school assignment, quality of life in neighborhoods, homeless support services and much more. "We are becoming a default housing center," Gottel says. "We are serving a lot of people."
Ove3r 200 agencies currently list contact, program and eligibility information for people in need of housing or other assistance.
SocialServe.com has been in operation for a little of a year, and will soon begin offering the service in Spanish.
Gottel adds that while the Web site does not currently list homes for sale, SocialServe.com wants to become a resource for those who want to own a home. "We want to be a resource of information of how to move from fair market rentals to housing," he says.
The searchable database of housing agencies on the site includes city, county, state, federal, private and faith-based housing assistance programs.
Gottel says Realtors® can help his service in a variety of ways, including affordable rental properties on the site and making clients aware of the resource. Cash doesn't hurt either, he adds. There are also volunteer opportunities if Realtors® are interested in hands-on involvement.
Quick Facts
What: SocialServe.com
Purpose: SocialServe.com is a searchable Web site that offers affordable rental listings. The site includes links to affordable-housing agencies.
Director: Van Gottel
Web Site: www.SocialServe.com
Phone Number: 704-334-8722
Local Office: 920 Pecan Ave
Headquarters: Charlotte
How Realtors® Can Help:
- Tell clients about SocialServe.com services
- Add affordable rental housing listings database
- Provide financial assistance
- Volunteer with SocialServe.com
