Organization's History

International House (as it would later be known) was founded by the Charlotte Area Clergy Association as a unique ecumenical ministry dedicated to meeting the needs of the international community in Charlotte. 

 

The non-profit organization was incorporated in May 1981 as the Community College and International Ministry of Charlotte, Inc. (CCIM) and started implementing programs and activities promoting intercultural interaction, cultural awareness, and English Language Acquisition.

 

CCIM created a central location that would serve as a clearinghouse for international information and resources as well as a meeting place for intercultural activities. In 1983, the congregation at St. John’s Baptist Church provided a Victorian house on their campus as the site for this international center, and on November 23, 1985, the nonprofit opened its doors for the first time at 322 Hawthorne Lane. In 1989, the organization changed its name to International House.