Homelessness is on the rise in the Triangle, data shows
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The estimated number of people experiencing homelessness in the Triangle is up 15%, to 1,788 people, according to annual point-in-time counts collected by organizations in Wake, Durham and Orange counties.
- The increase was driven primarily by Wake County, where the number of unhoused people increased by 27%.
Why it matters: It's the second straight year that homelessness has increased in the Triangle, mirroring a similar rise seen across the nation.
Driving the news: Every January, organizations across the country conduct point-in-time counts to capture a snapshot of the unhoused community during one day. It's required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of applications for grants and funding.
- The point-in-time counts typically underestimate the true number, according to experts, given that people experiencing homelessness can be hard to track. The counts also don't include those in hotels or other temporary living setups.
- Eileen Rosa, lead agency director for the Wake County's Continuum of Care, said she believes this year's count is more accurate due to changes in methodology, including more volunteers and a new surveying app.
Zoom in: Rosa told Axios earlier this year that many factors cause a rise in homelessness.
- But rising rents and a dearth of affordable housing choices are two of the biggest drivers.
- In addition, she said, eviction moratoriums during the pandemic and some federal aid have ended.
What they're saying: "Certainly, the affordable housing crisis is driving [homelessness], not just here but across the state and across the nation," Rosa said.
- "With some of the safety net resources gone ... we're starting to see some folks who are maybe sort of on the brink now fully experiencing homelessness," she added.
By the numbers: In Wake County, 287 of those counted were living unsheltered (compared with 971 in shelters) — more than double last year's rate.
- Durham County saw a 12% increase in those unsheltered, and Orange saw a 45% increase.
- In each county, the majority of those experiencing homelessness were men and disproportionately Black.
What's next: Even as the Trump administration makes sweeping changes to how the country responds to homelessness, the Triangle's cities are launching new programs to address the issue.
- Last year, the city of Raleigh launched a new pilot program called Bringing Neighbors Home, which provides direct housing assistance and helps individuals with a case manager to access other services.
- In March, the city used the program to connect 45 households to housing and close one encampment near Dix park.
- Durham County and the city of Durham are also in the process of creating a new strategic plan for addressing homelessness there.