The latest Point-in-Time Count in Wake County reveals a significant increase in homelessness, with 1,258 individuals identified, marking a nearly 27% rise from the previous year. This increase not only reflects the growing need but also highlights improvements in data collection and outreach efforts.
This year’s count utilized a new app for more effective surveying and saw participation from 145 volunteers, a notable increase from the previous year’s few dozen. The volunteers were supported by city leaders and used targeted maps to cover known locations across the county.
“This year’s count is the most accurate we’ve ever had, thanks to the improvements we made in data collection and volunteer engagement,” stated Commissioner Safiyah Jackson of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. She emphasized the commitment to making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
The Point-in-Time Count provides essential data for planning and resource allocation, setting a new standard for Wake County’s response to homelessness. While the rise in numbers is concerning, it underscores the success of a more systematic approach and sets expectations for even greater accuracy in future counts. The Wake Continuum of Care is enhancing data quality throughout the year by expanding access to real-time information via tools like the Homeless Management Information System.
Key elements of Wake County’s ongoing response include permanent housing initiatives such as King’s Ridge and Raleigh’s Bringing Neighbors Home Unsheltered Response Pilot Program. Improvements have also been made to rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing referral processes through Coordinated Entry.
This marks the first year that Wake County has compiled data as the newly established Continuum of Care Lead Agency, overseeing coordination and resources for those experiencing homelessness. However, it is important to note that January’s Point-in-Time Count offers only a snapshot that tends to be an undercount since it includes only those unsheltered or residing in shelters on that specific night.
