Homeless

Homelessness rose to record levels in Mecklenburg County during the pandemic. The rise was driven in part by an increase in families entering homelessness and the city's lack of affordable housing.

Staff members with Mecklenburg County's Community Support Services are struggling to find landlords who will rent to the former residents of the homeless encampment known as "Tent City."

Each Wednesday, three local organizations distribute food and supplies to Charlotte residents experiencing homelessness.

During the pandemic, millions of dollars in aid have flowed to programs that fight homelessness and housing insecurity. In Charlotte, the transitional housing program Gracious Hands didn't take a penny, yet it's continuing to grow and help women and children in need.

There's a lot of energy going into expanding affordable housing in Charlotte. But for people moving out of hotels or homelessness, the need doesn't stop there. Furnishing that new place can be a struggle. A Charlotte group called Beds for Kids is celebrating 10 years of fighting what it calls "furniture poverty."

Mecklenburg County's proposed budget for the new fiscal year includes $12 million for a variety of housing and homelessness programs. That includes $2.5 million to help the Salvation Army buy a hotel and convert it into a homeless shelter.

Charlotte leaders last week announced an effort to wipe out homelessness and expand affordable housing within five years. It's not the first time Charlotte has tried this, but some think this has a better chance at succeeding.

A coalition of city, county, nonprofit and business leaders launched an effort Thursday to develop a five-year strategic plan to eradicate homelessness and expand low-income housing in Charlotte. The goal is to begin carrying out the plan by fall.

The number of homeless residents in Mecklenburg County increased during the pandemic. Hope Vibes aims to help people experiencing homelessness with basic needs — like showering and washing clothes — through the Hope Tank.

It’s been a week since the tents and tarps that were home to more than 200 people were removed from an encampment near uptown Charlotte. Deronda Metz, director of social services for the Salvation Army in Charlotte, says her organization has been working to find housing for the people — but that homelessness in Charlotte can't be solved overnight.