Recent federal data disclosed a roughly 18% surge in homelessness across the country last year. This startling increase was primarily attributed to the escalating migrant issue in urban regions and the conclusion of pandemic-related financial assistance.
Figures released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development reveal that the plight of homelessness in North Carolina swelled by nearly 19% last year. While the crisis of housing affordability was highlighted, it was also pointed out that improved data collection methods from local agencies contributed to this increase in reported homelessness.
Consequently, these revised counting strategies led to a more inclusive enumeration than previous years. This might have caused a hike in the counted homeless population, a figure that may formerly have been underestimated due to less efficient counting methods.
One particular region that observed a rise in homeless numbers was the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. With an approximately 9% increase in reported homeless individuals, the issue is clearly growing in this locality. However, this is only a fraction of the significant shifts noticed elsewhere in the state.
Out of all the North Carolina’s agencies that participate in the count, the highest surge in homelessness was noted in the Winston-Salem and Forsyth County areas, where the figure climbed starkly by 58%. The sharp contrast between the increase in this area compared to others in the state underscores the diverging levels of hardship faced by various communities.
The Chapel Hill and Orange County regions saw the homeless population rise by about 17%. This noticeable increase suggests that city planners and policymakers in these regions may need to tackle the mounting problem of homelessness as well.
Meanwhile, both the Durham and Raleigh regions reported an increase in homelessness of roughly 8%. Though less dramatic than some other areas, even this marginal increase points to the widespread prevalence of the issue.
The statistics compiled were generated from a necessary nationwide calculation procedure which took place over a single night in January 2024. This procedure encompasses those who sought refuge in shelters as well as unsheltered individuals, offering a comprehensive snapshot of homelessness on that particular night.
Preparation for the 2025 nationwide homeless count, which will take place in the next month, is underway. Like its predecessors, this count will provide a critical snapshot of the state of homelessness across the nation.
Apart from participating in this annual nationwide count, some local agencies also launch additional, more extensive investigations into the extent of homelessness. They do this to gain a broader understanding of the homelessness crisis and to supplement federal data.
For instance, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care goes beyond the annual count to create even more detailed estimates. Utilizing a broader measurement method, they make it clear that homelessness extends well beyond what may be calculated in a single-night count.
As of October, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care estimated over 3,200 individuals were experiencing homelessness in their jurisdiction. This figure is substantially greater than the statistics reported in the 2024 count, with an increase of more than 1,000 individuals.
With each local region confronted with unique challenges and circumstances, the full scope of the homelessness issue likely exceeds the official annual count. By supplementing federal data with their own, these localized initiatives strive to paint a more accurate picture of the issues at hand.
As the task of evaluating and mitigating nationwide homelessness continues, it is hoped that expanded counting mechanisms and local efforts will contribute towards a better understanding of this complex issue, and eventually, more effective solutions.