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# Mecklenburg County - Housing & Homelessness Dashboard

Mecklenburg County - Housing & Homelessness Dashboard

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Reflections on 100 Days of Action](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/reflections-on-100-days-of-action/) - In September 2025, professionals in Mecklenburg County working in youth-oriented spaces came together to embark on the 100-Day Challenge to End Youth Homelessness. Multiple organizations, including members of the Mecklenburg County Continuum of Care and the Youth Action Board, were able to share expertise with one another to develop creative solutions for youth homelessness in the community. This blog provides an explanation of the 100 Day Challenge, the goal and results of the challenge, and next steps following the end of the challenge.
- [Building a Stronger Future for Supportive Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/building-a-stronger-future-for-supportive-housing/) - Last month, the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) released Building a Stronger Future for Supportive Housing: Lessons Learned from Nationwide Community Conversations, a new report examining what communities across the country are learning about the strengths, challenges, and future of supportive housing. This blog provides an overview of the report, key findings, and what they might mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The Gap 2026: What the National Shortage of Affordable Homes Means for Mecklenburg County](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/the-gap-2026-what-the-national-shortage-of-affordable-homes-means-for-mecklenburg-county/) - In March, the National Low Income Housing Coalition released The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes, its annual report examining the availability of rental housing affordable to the lowest-income households in the United States. This blog provides an overview of the report, key findings, and what they might mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2026 Point-in-Time Count: What the Data Reveal About Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2026-point-in-time-count-what-the-data-reveal-about-homelessness-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Each year, communities across the country come together to complete the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a federally required census of people experiencing homelessness on a single night. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the PIT Count serves as more than a compliance exercise. It is one of the most important tools we have to understand who is experiencing homelessness in our community, how homelessness is changing over time, and where our system must continue to evolve. This blog highlights key findings from the 2026 Point-in-Time Count and explores what the data tell us about homelessness trends, emerging needs, and system performance in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: March 2026](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-march-2026/) - Since its inception in 2019, the One Number has served as the primary benchmark for understanding the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides the best available snapshot of people actively experiencing homelessness and offers critical insight into the minimum number of housing units and subsidies needed today to address that need. The One Number also tracks how people flow into and out of the homeless services system over time. This week’s blog provides the most recent One Number update, key trends and analysis, and what the latest data mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [SOHIH 2025: Deep Dive: What the Housing Continuum Tells Us](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/sohih-2025-deep-dive-what-the-housing-continuum-tells-us/) - Housing instability, homelessness, and stable housing represent interconnected stages along a single housing continuum. Each stage reflects whether households are able to obtain and maintain safe, affordable, and sustainable housing over time. Understanding how households move along this continuum helps clarify both the causes of housing instability and homelessness and the solutions required to improve housing stability. This blog is the fifth and final post in a five-part series examining findings from the 2025 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness (SOHIH) Report. This post brings together key findings from across the housing continuum and examines what these findings reveal about housing stability and housing access in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [SOHIH 2025: Deep Dive: Stable Housing and Access to Permanent Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/sohih-2025-deep-dive-stable-housing-and-access-to-permanent-housing/) - Stable housing represents the endpoint of the housing continuum and the foundation for long-term housing stability. While housing instability reflects households at risk of losing housing and homelessness reflects households who have already lost housing, stable housing ensures households can maintain safe, affordable, and sustainable housing over time. This blog is the fourth in a five-part series examining findings from the 2025 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness (SOHIH) Report. This post takes a closer look at stable housing in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, including the role of permanent housing and rental assistance in helping households exit homelessness and maintain long-term housing stability.
- [2025 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness Report Deep Dive: Understanding Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2025-state-of-housing-instability-and-homelessness-report-deep-dive-understanding-homelessness-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Homelessness represents one of the most visible and severe forms of housing instability. While housing instability reflects households at risk of losing housing, homelessness occurs when households lose access to safe, stable, and sustainable housing entirely. Understanding homelessness requires examining both how households enter homelessness and how quickly they are able to exit into permanent housing. This blog is the third in a five-part series examining findings from the 2025 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness (SOHIH) Report. This post takes a deeper look at homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, including how many households experience homelessness, how long households remain homeless, and how access to permanent housing influences homelessness outcomes.
- [One Number Update: February 2026](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-february-2026/) - Since its inception in 2019, the One Number has served as the primary benchmark for understanding the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides the best available snapshot of people actively experiencing homelessness and offers critical insight into the minimum number of housing units and subsidies needed today to address that need. The One Number also tracks how people flow into and out of the homeless services system over time. This week’s blog provides the most recent One Number update, key trends and analysis, and what the latest data mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Keeping Families Together: What the Evaluation Shows About Housing Stability and Child Welfare Outcomes](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/keeping-families-together-what-the-evaluation-shows-about-housing-stability-and-child-welfare-outcomes/) - Families involved in the child welfare system are often navigating multiple, intersecting challenges at once, including housing instability, poverty, health needs, and trauma. When housing is unstable, these challenges compound, increasing the likelihood of child welfare involvement and, in the most severe cases, family separation. The Keeping Families Together model was developed in collaboration with the Corporation for Supportive Housing through its Frequent User System Model (FUSE) to intervene at this intersection by pairing permanent supportive housing with wraparound services for families involved with child welfare who are also experiencing homelessness. A new evaluation of Mecklenburg County’s Keeping Families Together program offers important insight into how this approach is working locally and what it tells us about the role of housing in stabilizing families and reducing system involvement. This blog summarizes findings from the Mecklenburg County Keeping Families Together program evaluation, highlighting housing outcomes and changes in child welfare involvement for families served between 2020 and 2023.
- [2025 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness Report Deep Dive: Housing Instability in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2025-state-of-housing-instability-and-homelessness-report-deep-dive-housing-instability-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - While homelessness is the most visible form of housing crisis, housing instability affects far more households and often represents the earliest stage of housing loss. This blog is the second in a five-part series examining findings from the 2025 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness (SOHIH) Report. The first blog in this series provided an overview of the housing continuum. This post takes a deeper look at housing instability in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, including housing cost burden, affordable housing supply, and eviction filings, and examines how these factors contribute to housing loss and increased risk of homelessness.
- [2025 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness Report Deep Dive: Understanding the Housing Continuum](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2025-state-of-housing-instability-and-homelessness-report-deep-dive-understanding-the-housing-continuum/) - Housing instability, homelessness, and stable housing are often discussed as separate issues. In reality, they are interconnected stages along a single housing continuum that reflects whether households are able to obtain and maintain safe, affordable, and sustainable housing over time. The newly released Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability and Homelessness (SOHIH) Report examines this continuum by analyzing conditions at three critical points: housing instability, homelessness, and stable housing. Together, these stages illustrate both how households lose housing and what is required to restore and sustain housing stability. This blog is the first in a five-part series that takes a deeper look at findings from the 2025 SOHIH Report. Each post in this series examines a different stage of the housing continuum and explores what the data reveal about housing stability, homelessness, and access to stable housing in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Together, this series provides a deeper understanding of how housing challenges develop and what is required to improve housing stability across our community.
- [One Number Update: January 2026](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-january-2026/) - Since its inception in 2019 , the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is the best snapshot available for the number of people actively experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides the most accurate minimum number of people experiencing homeless and provides insights into the minimum number of housing units and subsidies needed today to address their homelessness. These data also provide timely insights into the number of people flowing into and out of the homeless services system. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2025 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Released Today](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2025-state-of-housing-instability-homelessness-report-released-today/) - The 2025 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness (SoHIH) report, released today, provides a comprehensive view of housing conditions across the full housing continuum from instability to homelessness to stable housing. Produced annually by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, the report integrates local, regional, and national data sources to assess housing instability, homelessness, and access to stable housing, offering critical insight into both system performance and structural challenges. The 2025 report highlights the growing pressures facing households across Mecklenburg County and underscores the structural factors driving housing instability. Taken together, the findings show that housing instability remains widespread, homelessness persists, and deeply affordable housing remains critically insufficient to meet community need. These trends reinforce the importance of coordinated strategies that address both immediate housing crises and the upstream conditions that place households at risk. This blog post outlines the key findings from the 2025 SoHIH report and examines what these findings could mean for Mecklenburg County.
- [Income Growth](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/progress/income-growth/)
- [Research and News Roundup: February 2026](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-february-2026/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and equip community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This blog highlights recent research and emerging practices that examine how medical debt contributes to housing instability, how coordinated reentry planning can prevent homelessness after incarceration, and how local rent dynamics shape affordable housing strategy.
- [Housing Stability, Disaster Risk, and Community Resilience in Mecklenburg County](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/housing-stability-disaster-risk-and-community-resilience-in-mecklenburg-county/) - Housing instability and homelessness increase a household’s exposure to a wide range of physical, mental, social, and financial challenges. These same households are also more likely to experience disproportionate harm during disasters and major disruptions, including economic shocks, public health emergencies, and extreme weather events. When housing is unstable, even short-term disruptions can escalate into long-term displacement or crisis. To better understand how well communities are positioned to withstand and recover from such disruptions, the U.S. Census Bureau developed the Community Resilience Estimate (CRE). The CRE provides a data-driven way to identify where social and economic vulnerability may limit a household’s ability to absorb and recover from future shocks. Last year, we examined Community Resilience Estimate data based on the 2023 American Community Survey. This blog builds on that work by incorporating newly released 2024 ACS data, providing an updated overview of the CRE, examining how vulnerability manifests locally in Mecklenburg County, and discussing how CRE data can inform housing policy, disaster preparedness, and resilience-focused decision-making.
- [One Number Update: December 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-december-2025/) - Since its inception in 2019, the One Number has served as the primary benchmark for understanding the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides the best available snapshot of people actively experiencing homelessness and offers critical insight into the minimum number of housing units and subsidies needed today to address that need. The One Number also tracks how people flow into and out of the homeless services system over time. This week’s blog provides the most recent One Number update, key trends and analysis, and what the latest data mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [More Than a Count: The 2026 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Point-in-Time Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/more-than-a-count-the-2026-charlotte-mecklenburg-point-in-time-count/) - Over the last three days, almost 200 community volunteers including Mecklenburg County staff and CMPD officers joined forces to make #EverybodyCountsCLT a reality. Together, 38 teams conducted outreach across Mecklenburg County to engage with and survey people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The 2026 Point-in-Time Count co-leads, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition, extend their deepest gratitude to every individual who shared their story, each partner who helped plan and implement the Count, and all who donated time, supplies, and resources or helped spread awareness about this critical effort. This blog shares highlights from the 2026 Count, outlines what happens next, and offers ways to stay engaged throughout the year.
- [Recent Research on Unsheltered Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/recent-research-on-unsheltered-homelessness/) - Next week, hundreds of volunteers will fan out across Mecklenburg County to identify, engage, and survey people who are living in unsheltered locations in our community. These efforts help ensure that people experiencing homelessness are seen, counted, and their needs are better understood. This blog explores recent research on unsheltered homelessness, examining its root causes and the impacts on individuals and communities.
- [The Role of Faith Communities in Addressing Housing Instability and Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/the-role-of-faith-communities-in-addressing-housing-instability-and-homelessness-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Faith organizations play a key role in communities, long before individuals and families enter the formal homelessness response system. They help fill critical gaps by providing food, financial assistance, emotional support, and housing support. Their ability to respond quickly and flexibly makes them essential partners in prevention, crisis response, and long-term stability. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Communities of Faith recently completed the Houses of Faith Survey to gain a better understanding of the work being done by local congregations. This blog provides an overview of findings from the Houses of Faith survey, highlighting the significant role faith communities play across the housing and homelessness Continuum of Care and opportunities to strengthen collaboration.
- [Research and News Roundup: December 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-december-2025/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This blog examines recent research and emerging practices highlighting strategies to prevent system involvement, reduce homelessness after incarceration, and preserve affordable housing.
- [New Research Findings Released: Lived Expertise Action and Research Network Survey](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/new-research-findings-released-lived-expertise-action-and-research-network-survey/) - This week, the National Alliance to End Homelessness released research findings from their Lived Expertise Action and Research Network Survey. This blog provides an overview of the survey, study findings, and what these findings may mean for Mecklenburg County.
- [Permanent Housing and How to Fund It](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/permanent-housing-and-how-to-fund-it/) - Research, practice, and lived experience all point to the same conclusion: people exit homelessness and stay housed when they can access safe, decent, affordable, permanent housing with the right level of support. Shelters, outreach, and supportive services are all essential, but we cannot end homelessness without also having an adequate supply of permanent housing resources. This blog provides an overview of why permanent housing is critical to reducing homelessness and examines strategies Mecklenburg County and other communities can use to fund, scale, and sustain permanent housing when federal resources are insufficient to meet local need.
- [One Number Update: October 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-october-2025/) - Since its inception in 2019 , the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is the best snapshot available for the number of people actively experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides the most accurate minimum number of people experiencing homeless and provides insights into the minimum number of housing units and subsidies needed today to address their homelessness. These data also provide timely insights into the number of people flowing into and out of the homeless services system. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [How A University-County Partnership Changed The Landscape Of Housing In Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/how-a-university-county-partnership-changed-the-landscape-of-housing-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Today, with homelessness in Mecklenburg County rising and housing affordability threatening to push more families into impossible choices and greater instability, our community has access to extensive data and research because of a vision and partnership born over a decade ago. It’s easy to take for granted that it wasn’t too long ago that getting accurate, consistent information on homelessness and housing instability was challenging in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This article reflects on the enduring partnership between the Charlotte Urban Institute and Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, which together, recently marked 10 years of advancing data-driven efforts to address housing instability and homelessness. As the formal project partnership comes to a close, this milestone offers an opportunity to look back on the impact of our shared work, the foundation it leaves for future progress, and the questions we must continue to ask ourselves to ensure data translates into action in people’s lives.
- [Counting Neighbors, Not Numbers: The 2026 Point-in-Time Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/counting-neighbors-not-numbers-the-2026-point-in-time-count/) - On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community will join together for the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. More than a data collection effort, the PIT Count is an opportunity to recognize the dignity of every person experiencing homelessness and to reaffirm the community’s shared commitment to building long-term, equitable solutions. This blog post provides an overview of the 2026 PIT Count, explains its importance, and outlines how to get involved and support the 2026 PIT Count.
- [Progress and Partnerships: Ending Veteran Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/17564/) - As of September 30, 2025, 138 Veterans were experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County. Of these, 37 are chronically homeless, meaning they live with a disabling condition and have experienced homelessness continuously for at least one year, or four or more times over the past three years. Ending Veteran homelessness requires ongoing coordination among multiple partners — including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Mecklenburg County, and a network of dedicated nonprofit organizations. Together, these agencies form a critical safety net that ensures Veterans are connected to the housing and services they’ve earned through their service. This blog post provides an overview of Veteran homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, recent data trends from the One Number update, and examples of how community collaboration is driving measurable progress toward ending homelessness among Veterans.
- [One Number Update: September 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-september-2025/) - This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The Rent Eats More: Rethinking Housing Cost Burden](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/the-rent-eats-more-rethinking-housing-cost-burden/) - This blog summarizes key findings from the study, explains the concept of residual income cost-burden, and explores what the findings suggest about housing affordability challenges in Mecklenburg County.
- [Mecklenburg County Launches 100-Day Challenge to Prevent Youth Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/mecklenburg-county-launches-100-day-challenge-to-prevent-youth-homelessness/) - In July 2024, Chapin Hall released New Opportunities: A National Strategy to Prevent Youth Homelessness. This week Mecklenburg County Continuum of Care (CoC) staff, members of the CoC Youth Action Board (YAB), and representatives from youth-serving organizations came together to plan a 100 Day Challenge to Prevent Youth Homelessness in Mecklenburg County. This blog provides an overview of key risk factors for youth homelessness, the prevention framework proposed in the report, and the work being done locally to prevent youth homelessness.
- [Supporting Stability After Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/supporting-stability-after-homelessness/) - This week, Social Science & Medicine published Creating Livable Lives: A Qualitative Exploration of Life After Homelessness. The study examines how people rebuild their lives after exiting homelessness. This blog summarizes key findings from the research, highlights strategies that support housing stability, and considers what these insights could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Youth Homelessness: Key Findings From the National Runaway Safeline Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/youth-homelessness-key-findings-from-the-national-runaway-safeline-report/) - This week, the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) released Prevention Needs and Opportunities for Young People at Risk of Homelessness. This national report examines why youth seek help, the challenges they face related to housing instability, and the critical supports needed to ensure long-term positive outcomes. This blog highlights key findings from the report and what they might mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Research and News Roundup: September 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-september-2025/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This blog examines recent research and innovative practices highlighting strategies to prevent displacement, improve care for people experiencing homelessness, and create more equitable affordable housing models.
- [One Number Update: August 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-august-2025/) - Since its inception in 2019 , the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is the best snapshot available for the number of people actively experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides the most accurate minimum number of people experiencing homeless and provides insights into the minimum number of housing units and subsidies needed today to address their homelessness. These data also provide timely insights into the number of people flowing into and out of the homeless services system. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Why Home Ownership Matters in Solving the Affordable Housing Crisis](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/why-home-ownership-matters-in-solving-the-affordable-housing-crisis/) - Conversations about solving the affordable housing crisis often focus on rising rents and the significant shortage of affordable units available for people with low or extremely low incomes. What is often missing from these discussions is the role that homeownership can play in creating long-term housing affordability and stability. This blog explores the role of home ownership in addressing the affordable housing crisis and how expanding access to it can be part of the solution in Mecklenburg County.
- [Coordinated Entry Data: July 2025 Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/coordinated-entry-data-july-2025-update/) - Last month, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released two new data pages that provide insights into the local implementation of Coordinated Entry. Coordinated Entry (CE) is the front door to the local homeless response system. It is the primary place where households experiencing a housing crisis seek assistance. CE data helps us understand who is seeking assistance, the types of support and interventions they need, and how those needs change over time. This blog provides a snapshot of the households who sought assistance via Coordinated Entry during the month of July, their characteristics and needs, and opportunities to strengthen the system to better support the emergent needs of those experiencing housing instability and homelessness in Mecklenburg County.
- [One Number Update: July 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-july-2025/) - Since its inception in 2019 , the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is the best snapshot available for the number of people actively experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides the most accurate minimum number of people experiencing homeless and provides insights into the minimum number of housing units and subsidies needed today to address their homelessness. These data also provide timely insights into the number of people flowing into and out of the homeless services system. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The Rising Challenge of Student Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/the-rising-challenge-of-student-homelessness/) - During the 2024-2025 school year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) identified a total of 5,680 students experiencing homeless, an 18% increase from the 4,815 students identified during the 2023–2024 school year. This increase isn’t just a statistic; it reflects the rising housing instability impacting families with minor children across our community. This week’s blog takes a closer look at the scope of student homelessness, it’s impacts, and the supports available through the McKinney-Vento Act.
- [Research and News Roundup: August 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-august-2025/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s blog focuses on efforts by healthcare systems to address housing instability, data-driven approaches to preserving affordable housing, and a technology solution to more quickly and accurately connect people living unsheltered to shelter resources.
- [Source Of Income Discrimination: Laws, Impacts, And Solutions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/source-of-income-discrimination-laws-impacts-and-solutions/) - In North Carolina, state law permits landlords to refuse to rent to someone based on how they plan to pay their rent. This means a landlord can reject a tenant if they plan to pay their rent with a Housing Choice Voucher, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or other source of lawful income. This is known as Source of Income Discrimination (SOID). North Carolina municipalities can encourage landlords to accept all forms of income through financial and other incentives but they are prohibited from requiring the landlord to accept a specific type of income. This blog post explains what source of income discrimination (SOID) is and describes municipal policy solutions based on initiatives taken by North Carolina cities and counties.
- [Out of Reach 2025: What the Data Means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/out-of-reach-2025-what-the-data-means-for-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Last week the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) released Out of Reach 2025: The High Cost of Housing, an annual report that examines the increasing gap between wages and the cost of rental housing in the United States. This blog highlights key takeaways from the report, explores state and local data, and considers what these findings mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: June 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-june-2025/) - Since its inception in 2019 , the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is the best snapshot available for the number of people actively experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides the most accurate minimum number of people experiencing homeless and provides insights into the minimum number of housing units and subsidies needed today to address their homelessness. These data also provide timely insights into the number of people flowing into and out of the homeless services system. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [New Coordinated Entry Data Pages](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/new-coordinated-entry-data-pages/) - Regularly reviewing Coordinated Entry System (CES) data is essential for communities working to reduce homelessness. This data provides valuable insights into who is being served, how quickly people are being connected to housing, and whether the system is working equitably. We’re excited to announce the launch of the new Coordinated Entry Data pages, released today. This new resource provides key insights into how the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) is implementing Coordinated Entry, including data on system access, assessments, and referrals. This blog introduces the new Coordinated Entry data pages and highlights how the data can help guide decision-making in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The Impact of State Zoning Law on Affordable Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/the-impact-of-state-zoning-law-on-affordable-housing/) - Particularly in rapidly growing municipalities like Charlotte-Mecklenburg, zoning laws have become a critical tool and sometimes a barrier in the effort to address housing affordability. This blog post synthesizes research about zoning laws in North Carolina and examines what zoning is and how it can affect housing affordability.
- [A 10‑Point Blueprint for Housing Affordability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/a-10‑point-blueprint-for-housing-affordability/) - In January 2025, the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) released Blueprint to Address the Housing Affordability Crisis. This report provides a roadmap for how local governments can align zoning, permitting, workforce development, and financing to make housing affordable in Mecklenburg County. This blog provides an overview of the key take-aways from the report and the implications for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: May 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-may-2025/) - Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Research Roundup: LGBTQ Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-roundup-lgbtq-homelessness/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. In observance of Pride month, this month’s Research and News Roundup highlights housing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and necessary policy and practice reforms to meet their unique needs.
- [Findings from a New Report on Transition Age Foster Care Youth and Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/findings-from-a-new-report-on-transition-age-foster-care-youth-and-homelessness/) - In June 2025, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released two reports examining Transition-Age Foster Care Youth and Homelessness. The first report looks at older youth who experience foster care and the association with homelessness between ages 18 and 21. The second report in the series looks specifically at youth who are eligible for Extended Foster Care – which provides support services and financial support for housing for youth who age out of the foster care system. For this report homelessness is defined as accessing local homeless services such spending the night at an emergency shelter. This blog outlines key findings from the reports and what these findings mean for Mecklenburg County.
- [2025 Point-in-Time Count: Sheltered Count and Overall Totals](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2025-point-in-time-count-sheltered-count-and-overall-totals/) - Each year, communities across the U.S. participate in the HUD-mandated Point-in-Time (PIT) Count to measure homelessness. This effort aims to estimate how many people are experiencing homelessness on a single night in January and to gain insight into their characteristics and living situations. The count includes both sheltered individuals, those in emergency shelters or transitional housing, and unsheltered individuals, those staying in places not meant for habitation. The PIT results, combined with other data sources, help shape local and national strategies to prevent and end homelessness. A previous blog provided data from the 2025 Unsheltered Homeless Census and a discussion of the limitations of the PIT count. This blog provides an overview of the 2025 Sheltered Homeless Census and overall PIT count data.
- [One Number Update: April 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-april-2025/) - Since its inception in 2019 , the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Unsheltered Homelessness in Mecklenburg County: Data, Insights, and Solutions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/unsheltered-homelessness-in-mecklenburg-county-data-insights-and-solutions/) - On January 23, 2025, 20 CMPD officers and 40 teams of over 200 community volunteers came together to ensure #EverybodyCountsCLT by providing logistical support and conducting surveys with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness across Mecklenburg County. This annual effort is always about more than data collection. It’s about connecting with each person experiencing unsheltered homelessness to better understand what is needed to support them in exiting homelessness. This blog focuses on findings from the 2025 Unsheltered Homeless Census and ways to address unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The Importance of Housing Stability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/the-importance-of-housing-stability/) - Failure to prioritize housing stability of formerly homeless individuals in housing programs not only negatively impacts individual well-being, it also negatively impacts the local homeless services system and community. This blog explores the importance of housing stability for formerly homeless individuals and the potential individual and system impacts when people exit permanent housing programs to homelessness.
- [Research and News Roundup: May 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-may-2025/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup highlights the use of predictive analytics to prevent homelessness, the benefits of guaranteed income programs, and the role of code enforcement in ensuring safe, equitable, and affordable housing.
- [Homeless Palliative Care: Promising Practices](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/homeless-palliative-care-promising-practices/) - A recent blog provided an overview of Homeless Palliative Care and outlined the need for homeless palliative care in Mecklenburg County by quantifying the significant number of people in Charlotte-Mecklenburg who are both experiencing homelessness and facing terminal or life-limiting illnesses. This blog explores promising practices in homeless palliative care and what it would take to address the local need for homeless palliative care in Mecklenburg County.
- [One Number Update: March 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-march-2025/) - Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Unsheltered Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/unsheltered-homelessness/) - Unsheltered Homelessness is a brief report delving into the needs and experiences of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte Mecklenburg in 2024. This blog post is highlights the key findings of this brief report. Additional information is available in the report linked here.
- [Research and News Roundup: March 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-march-2025/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup highlights housing challenges faced by older adults, opportunities to improve neighborhood choice for households using housing vouchers, and an innovative scattered site shelter model.
- [The Case for Homeless Palliative Care](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/the-case-for-homeless-palliative-care/) - People experiencing homelessness often have higher rates of chronic illness yet frequently lack access to routine and preventative care. Homeless palliative care is an emerging interdisciplinary field that focuses on improving the quality of life for people who are homeless and at the end of their life but also those who have serious, chronic, and life-limiting illnesses. This is a two-part blog series that will examine homeless palliative care. This blog provides and overview of homeless palliative care and the need in Mecklenburg County. A future blog will explore promising practices and what it would take to address the local need for homeless palliative care.
- [One Number Update: February 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-february-2025/) - Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [What Would it Cost?](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/what-would-it-cost/) - The Housing First Model addresses homelessness by offering households housing without preconditions such as sobriety, employment, or treatment requirements. Supportive services such as case management, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and employment assistance are made available in tandem with the housing, to support households in stabilizing and working towards self-determined goals. A recently released report co-authored by the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) and the University of Pennsylvania estimates the cost of providing housing using the Housing First Model to all households experiencing sheltered homelessness in the United States. This blog provides an overview of the report, highlighting the estimated need and policy considerations for addressing the identified gap.
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Featured in New Toolkit](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/charlotte-mecklenburg-featured-in-new-toolkit/) - Last week, Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP) released A Toolkit for Centering Racial Equity Throughout Data Integration 2.0. The toolkit which was first released in 2020, helps organizations mitigate bias in data practices. Version 2.0 expands this work by adding strategies for handling Race, Ethnicity, Language, Disability (RELD) and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGIE) data, working with Tribal Data, and managing risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition the updated toolkit provides a companion workbook and provides additional examples of Work in Action. Charlotte-Mecklenburg is one of the communities featured as a Work in Action example. This blog provides an overview of the toolkit and highlights the Charlotte-Mecklenburg's featured work.
- [Community Resilience and Housing Instability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/community-resilience-and-housing-instability/) - Housing instability and homelessness increase a household’s risk for a variety of physical, mental, social, and financial challenges. In addition, those most likely to experience homelessness and housing instability are also more likely to be socially vulnerable to the impact of disasters. To assess the capacity of households to absorb the stresses associated with the impact of a disaster, the United States Census Bureau has developed the Community Resilience Estimate. This blog provides an overview of the Community Resilience Estimate (CRE), local and state estimates, and how the CRE could inform decision-making in Mecklenburg County.
- [One Number Update: January 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-january-2025/) - Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Research and News Roundup: February 2025](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-february-2025/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup highlights the recently released NAEH Housing Focused Street Outreach Framework, how four cities are approaching the affordable housing shortage, and an innovative program that seeks to decrease housing instability among essential workers.
- [2024 STATE OF HOUSING INSTABILITY AND HOMELESSNESS REPORT DEEP DIVE: STABLE HOUSING](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2024-state-of-housing-instability-and-homelessness-report-deep-dive-stable-housing/) - On January 7, 2025 Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2024 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness report. This annual report compiles the most recent data on housing instability and homelessness for Charlotte-Mecklenburg by synthesizing local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum (from housing instability to homelessness to stable, permanent, affordable housing). The SOHIH report serves as a knowledge base for all stakeholders to inform policy and practice decisions, optimize resource allocation, plan integrated systems of care, and drive advocacy efforts. The report explores three key components of the housing continuum: housing instability, homelessness, and stable housing. This blog is the first in a series of three blogs will take a deeper dive into each of these components. This blog post takes a deeper dive into the findings from the third and final theme: stable housing. It also shares examples of promising practices and what can be done locally ensure stable housing for all Mecklenburg County residents.
- [2024 STATE OF HOUSING INSTABILITY AND HOMELESSNESS REPORT DEEP DIVE: HOMELESSNESS](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2024-state-of-housing-instability-and-homelessness-report-deep-dive-homelessness/) - On January 7, 2025 Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2024 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness report. This annual report compiles the most recent data on housing instability and homelessness for Charlotte-Mecklenburg by synthesizing local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum (from housing instability to homelessness to stable, permanent, affordable housing). The SOHIH report serves as a knowledge base for all stakeholders to inform policy and practice decisions, optimize resource allocation, plan integrated systems of care, and drive advocacy efforts. The report explores three key components of the housing continuum: housing instability, homelessness, and stable housing. This blog is the first in a series of three blogs will take a deeper dive into each of these components. This blog post takes a deeper dive into the findings from the second theme: homelessness. It also shares examples of promising practices and what can be done locally to address homelessness.
- [2024 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness Report Deep Dive: Housing Instability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2024-state-of-housing-instability-and-homelessness-report-deep-dive-housing-instability/) - On January 7, 2025 Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2024 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness report. This annual report compiles the most recent data on housing instability and homelessness for Charlotte-Mecklenburg by synthesizing local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum (from housing instability to homelessness to stable, permanent, affordable housing). The SOHIH report serves as a knowledge base for all stakeholders to inform policy and practice decisions, optimize resource allocation, plan integrated systems of care, and drive advocacy efforts. The report explores three key components of the housing continuum: housing instability, homelessness, and stable housing. This blog is the first in a series of three blogs will take a deeper dive into each of these components. This blog post takes a deeper dive into the findings from the first theme: housing instability. It also shares examples of promising practices to address housing instability.
- [2024 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Released Today](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2024-state-of-housing-instability-homelessness-report-released-today/) - Today marks the release of the 2024 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness (SOHIH) report. This annual report, produced by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, compiles the most recent data on housing instability and homelessness for Charlotte-Mecklenburg by synthesizing local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum (from housing instability to homelessness to stable, permanent, affordable housing). The SOHIH report serves as a knowledge base for all stakeholders to inform policy and practice decisions, optimize resource allocation, plan integrated systems of care, and drive advocacy efforts. This blog post outlines the key findings from the 2024 SoHIH and what these findings could mean for Mecklenburg County.
- [2025 Point-in-Time Count Wrap Up](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2025-point-in-time-count-wrap-up/) - Over the past three days, 20 CMPD officers and 40 teams of over 200 community volunteers came together to ensure #EverybodyCountsCLT by providing logistical support and conducting surveys with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness across Mecklenburg County. Point-in-Time Count co-leads, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition would like to sincerely thank each unhoused person who completed the survey, all who helped plan this year’s count, and those who selflessly volunteered their time, provided supplies and financial donations, or raised awareness about the 2025 Point-in-Time Count. This blog provides an overview of this year’s Count, what’s next, and how you can stay involved year-round.
- [One Number Update: November 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-november-2024/) - Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Number Of People Homeless For The First Time](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/progress/number-of-persons-homeless-for-the-first-time/)
- [Number of People Homeless](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/progress/number-of-people-homeless/)
- [Returns to Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/progress/returns-to-homelessness/)
- [Exits To Permanent Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/progress/exits-to-permanent-housing/)
- [Length Of Time Homeless](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/progress/length-of-time-homeless/)
- [Research and News Roundup: December 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-december-2024/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup highlights the recently released NAEH Interim Strategies for Responding to Unsheltered Homelessness, a research article on quantifying and predicting doubled up homelessness, and the Picture of Preservation report which outlines risks to preserving affordable housing.
- [One Number Update: October 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-october-2024/) - Since its inception in 2019 , the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2025 Point-In-Time Count: Volunteers Needed To Help Ensure #Everybodycountsclt](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2025-point-in-time-count-volunteers-needed-to-help-ensure-everybodycountsclt/) - On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community will come together to conduct the 2025 Point-in-Time Count. This annual event is about more than just counting the number of people experiencing homelessness. It is an opportunity to acknowledge and support every person experiencing homelessness in our community and to contribute to the community effort to create long-term solutions for some of our most vulnerable community members. This blog post provides information on how to get involved and support the 2025 PIT Count.
- [One Number Deep Dive: First Time Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-deep-dive-first-time-homelessness/) - During the month of September 2024, 71% of people who entered the homeless services system were experiencing homelessness for the first time. This week’s blog post provides a deep dive into the most recent One Number update with a focus on first time homelessness and what these data mean for addressing first time homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Reduces Veteran Homelessness by 29%](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/charlotte-mecklenburg-reduces-veteran-homelessness-29/) - In 2018, Mecklenburg County partnered with Community Solutions, Built for Zero, to intentionally work toward ending veteran homelessness in Mecklenburg County. Since then, there has been almost a 50% reduction in veteran homelessness with a 29% reduction in the past year. This week’s blog post provides a deep dive into the most recent One Number update with a focus on veteran homelessness and an overview of what is being done to prevent and end homelessness for veterans in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: September 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-september-2024/) - Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Data You Can Use: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Quality of Life Explorer](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/data-you-can-use-the-charlotte-mecklenburg-quality-of-life-explorer/) - Are homes in your neighborhood getting bigger or smaller? Are residents in a specific community able to access essential services, such as grocery stores, or public transportation? Where should our community building efforts be focused? The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Quality of Life Explorer can help answer these questions and many more. This blog provides a brief overview of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Quality of Life Explorer and how it can be used to better understand various housing dimensions at the Neighborhood Profile Area level.
- [Research and News Roundup: October 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-october-2024/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup highlights the recently released USICH Federal Homelessness Prevention Framework, one community’s plan to end chronic homelessness, and research focused on equity-oriented affordable housing.
- [One Number Deep Dive: Family Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-deep-dive-family-homelessness/) - The Housing Data Snapshot is the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation and highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides a deep dive into the most recent One Number update with a focus on family homelessness and what these data mean for addressing family homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Mobilizing Faith-Based Development Initiatives to Address the Affordable Housing Crisis: A Look at Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/mobilizing-faith-based-development-initiatives-to-address-the-affordable-housing-crisis-a-look-at-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Faith-based development initiatives are an emerging promising practice to facilitate the growth of a community’s affordable housing stock. These efforts can help address the current affordable housing crisis while also providing mutually beneficial community development outcomes. Find out below how the City of Charlotte is taking action. Their initiative aligns strongly with Mecklenburg County’s strategic objective to expand affordable housing and reflects our commitment to innovative, community-led solutions. This blog provides an overview of how faith-based organizations (FBOs) are engaging in housing solutions, and what is being done locally in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to help these FBOs to increase their readiness to engage.
- [One Number Update: August 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-august-2024/) - Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Research and News Roundup: September 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-september-2024/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup highlights how healthcare systems are screening for housing instability, the long-term impact and social, economic, and healthcare needs of those who have experienced homelessness, and approaches to addressing the digital divide in affordable housing.
- [Grand Challenge: Ending Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/grand-challenge-ending-homelessness/) - In 2015, the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare introduced the Grand Challenge to End Homelessness (GC2EH). Ending homelessness was one of twelve initial Grand Challenges that were identified as major, societal issues that have scientific evidence suggesting the issue is solvable, and that require interdisciplinary collaboration and significant innovation to solve. This blog provides an overview of the Grand Challenge to End Homelessness and a summary of the recently released Grand Challenge to End Homelessness 2024 policy recommendations.
- [One Number Deep Dive: Youth Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-deep-dive-youth-homelessness/) - The Housing Data Snapshot is the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation and highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides a deep dive into the most recent One Number update with a focus on youth homelessness and what these data mean for addressing youth homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: July 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-july-2024/) - Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Research and News Roundup: August 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-august-2024/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup highlights four recently released tenant protections toolkits, a guide to creating a coordinated public funding strategy for affordable housing, and key findings related to intimate partner violence and homelessness from the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH).
- [Promising Practice: Direct Cash Transfers](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/16071/) - Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) is an anti-poverty tool that places money directly in the hands of people who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability and empowers them to utilize the funds in the way that meets their most pressing financial needs. This blog provides an overview of Direct Cash Transfer, its evidence base, and how it is being used across the country to address homelessness and housing instability.
- [National Alliance to End Homelessness: 2024 State of Homelessness Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/national-alliance-to-end-homelessness-2024-state-of-homelessness-report/) - On August 5, 2024, the National Alliance to End Homelessness released their 2024 State of Homelessness report. This report, published annually, not only provides a national overview of homelessness but also includes several interactive tools that allow the reader to drill down to the state and Continuum of Care levels. It includes data on demographic characteristics of people experiencing homelessness, rates of people experiencing homelessness, and the number of beds available for people experiencing homelessness. This blog highlights key findings from the report with a focus on state and local data.
- [Recommended Podcasts for Understanding Housing Instability and Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/recommended-podcasts-for-understanding-housing-instability-and-homelessness/) - Last month we provided a list of books that provide innovative information and meaningful insights on both the causes of and solutions to housing instability and homelessness. These books provide foundational information that is necessary to understand the current landscape of housing instability and homelessness as well as what policy and practice strategies are needed to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring locally and nationally. In addition to this recommended Summer reading, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability and Homelessness report, integrated data reports, the Housing Data Snapshot, and the data and research featured in the Building Bridges blog, there are several podcasts that present emergent research, promising practices, and timely and relevant information related to housing and homelessness. This blog post suggests four podcasts that highlight local and national strategies and recent research focused on housing instability and homelessness and provides a brief overview of each podcast and how the content can be used strengthen the systems in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: June 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-june-2024/) - Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of each person experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not only provides an overall count and demographics of homelessness by household type and subpopulation, it also highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; a synopsis of recent dashboard updates; the latest One Number trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2024 Summer Reading List: Three Key Books For Learning More About Homelessness And Housing Instability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2024-summer-reading-three-key-books-for-learning-more-about-homelessness-and-housing-instability/) - Each year, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) releases an annual report series on housing instability and homelessness consisting of two primary research products. The first is an integrated data report produced by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute which links cross-system data sources to explore housing instability and homelessness through an intersectional lens. The second major output in the series is the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report which includes local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum. It also features data from the Point-in-Time Count; housing inventory; rental gaps; and system performance metrics providing a comprehensive resource for housing and homelessness-related information in Mecklenburg County. In addition to the locally produced housing instability and homelessness outputs described above, there are several books that provide innovative information and meaningful insights on both the causes of and solutions to housing instability and homelessness in Mecklenburg County. This blog post provides a 2024 suggested Summer book reading list, including a brief overview of each book, why you should read it, and what each means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Leveraging Stella P to Enhance Homeless Services Systems: Demographics](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/leveraging-stella-p-to-enhance-homeless-services-systems-demographics/) - The Stella Performance Module (Stella P) visualizes a homeless system's performance using the CoC's Longitudinal System Analysis (LSA) data. Stella P empowers communities to develop and monitor strategies to improve system performance. This blog is the fifth and final installment in a series of blogs examining Charlotte-Mecklenburg's latest LSA data utilizing the Stella P Module. This blog provides an overview of demographic data, disaggregated data for the LSA’s three primary metrics: days homeless, system exits, and returns to homelessness, and highlights opportunities to improve equity within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg homeless services system. Previous blogs provided an overview of LSA data and the Stella P dashboard and system performance map, system exits, days homeless, and returns to homelessness. This blog focuses on the demographics section of Stella P and provides information on the three key metrics by race and ethnicity.
- [Analyzing Returns to Homelessness: Insights from Stella P for Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/analyzing-returns-to-homelessness-insights-from-stella-p-for-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Stella, developed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), serves as an analytical and strategic tool for Continuums of Care (CoCs) to examine the dynamics of their homeless services system performance. The Stella Performance Module (Stella P) visualizes a homeless system's performance using the CoC's Longitudinal System Analysis (LSA) data. Stella P empowers communities to develop and monitor strategies to improve system performance. This blog is the fourth installment in a series of blogs examining Charlotte-Mecklenburg's latest LSA data utilizing the Stella P Module. This blog provides an overview of returns to homeless, local performance on this metric, and highlights opportunities for performance improvement within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg homeless services system.
- [Research and News Roundup: June 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-june-2024/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup highlights an innovative partnership to support households facing eviction, local program that supports veterans in overcoming workforce barriers, and key findings from the 2024 State of Housing report .
- [One Number Update: May 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-may-2024/) - Almost five years ago, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services introduced the “One Number”. Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of persons experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. One Number data not only provides an overall count of homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, but also can be broken down by household and population type and disaggregated by demographic characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, and age. In addition, One Number data also facilitates the examination of inflow and outflow patterns associated with homelessness. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides an overview of the One Number update, what’s changed, the latest trends and analyses; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Research and News Roundup: May 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-may-2024/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup features an overview of mental health and housing instability, guidance on how health care systems and hospitals can collaborate with communities to address homelessness, and a recent analysis assessing office space to housing conversion potential for 83 major cities including Charlotte.
- [2024 Point-in-Time Count Data: Sheltered Homelessness and Overall Counts](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2024-point-in-time-count-data-sheltered-homelessness-and-overall-counts/) - Annually, Continuums of Care (CoCs) across the United States conduct the HUD Point-in-Time (PIT) count to gather data on homelessness. The primary goals of the PIT are to estimate the number of individuals and households experiencing homelessness and to better understand their demographics and living conditions. These data are used in tandem with other local and national data to inform policies and programs focused on preventing and ending homelessness. The PIT count has two components: the Sheltered Homeless Census, which counts individuals in shelters, safe havens, or transitional housing, and the Unsheltered Homeless Census, which counts those living in places not intended for habitation, such as streets or vehicles. Together these components provide a comprehensive snapshot of homelessness on one night in January in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. A previous blog provided data from the 2024 Unsheltered Homeless Census and a discussion of the limitations of the PIT count. This blog provides an overview of the 2024 Sheltered Homeless Census and overall PIT count data.
- [Funding Competitions Coming Soon:  Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) & HUD CoC Program](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/funding-competitions-coming-soon-emergency-solutions-grant-esg-hud-coc-program/)
- [COMING SOON: THE 2019 HOUSING INSTABILITY & HOMELESSNESS REPORT](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/coming-soon-the-2019-housing-instability-homelessness-report/) - Next week, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services will release the annual Housing Instability & Homelessness Report, intended to provide data across the housing continuum in the community. This report is part of the Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Series, which is produced by UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and funded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services. Now in its second year, The Housing Instability & Homelessness Report has been updated to align with the structure and definitions outlined in the recently released Ecosystem. In addition, new data has been added within each section of the continuum. This blog post highlights what to expect, including the new data and features for the 2019 report.
- [2024 Point-in Time Count Data: Unsheltered Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2024-point-in-time-count-data-unsheltered-homelessness/) - On January 25, 2024, 28 CMPD officers and 35 teams of over 200 community volunteers came together to ensure #EverybodyCountsCLT and conduct the 2024 Point in Time Count Unsheltered Census. Together these dedicated community members facilitated a successful Count by providing logistical support and conducting surveys with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness across Mecklenburg County. This blog focuses on findings from the 2024 Unsheltered Homeless Census and the work being done locally to address unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Leveraging Stella P to Enhance Homeless Services Systems: Decreasing Days Homeless](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/decreasing-days-homeless/) - Stella, developed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), serves as an analytical and strategic tool for Continuums of Care (CoCs) to examine the dynamics of their homeless services system performance. The Stella Performance Module (Stella P) visualizes a homeless system's performance using the CoC's Longitudinal System Analysis (LSA) data. Stella P empowers communities to develop and monitor strategies to improve system performance. This blog is the third installment in a series of blogs examining Charlotte-Mecklenburg's latest LSA data utilizing the Stella P Module. This blog provides an overview of days homeless, local performance on this metric, and highlights opportunities for performance improvement within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg homeless services system.
- [Leveraging Stella P to Enhance Homeless Services Systems: Increasing Permanent Exits from the Homeless Services System](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/increasing-permanent-exits-from-the-homeless-services-system/) - Stella, developed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), serves as an analytical and strategic tool for Continuums of Care (CoCs) to examine the dynamics of their homeless services system performance. The Stella Performance Module (Stella P) visualizes a homeless system's performance using the CoC's Longitudinal System Analysis (LSA) data. Stella P empowers communities to develop and monitor strategies to improve system performance. This blog is the second installment in a series of blogs examining Charlotte-Mecklenburg's latest LSA data utilizing the Stella P Module. This blog provides an overview of system exits, local performance on this metric, and highlights opportunities for performance improvement within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg homeless services system.
- [Research and News Roundup: April 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-april-2024/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup features recent research on the impact of housing instability on older adults, strategies on resource use to support housing-related services for people experiencing homelessness, and a synopsis of President Biden’s proposed budget investments to increase affordable housing and housing stability.
- [One Number Update: March 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-march-2024/) - Almost five years ago, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services introduced the “One Number”. Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number encompasses individuals enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), Street Outreach (SO), Permanent Housing (PH) (if no move-in date to housing is recorded yet) and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. It includes both those experiencing sheltered homelessness and a portion of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a comprehensive By-Name List of persons experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. One Number data not only provides an overall count of homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, but also can be broken down by household and population type and disaggregated by demographic characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, and age. In addition, One Number data also facilitates the examination of inflow and outflow patterns associated with homelessness. The Housing Data Snapshot, the hub for the latest data related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; latest trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: February 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/one-number-update-february-2024/) - Almost five years ago, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services introduced the “One Number”. Since its inception in 2019, the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In July 2023, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care implemented a new Homeless Management Information System (HMIS): Clarity Human Services: Bitfocus. This system transition was undertaken to facilitate system improvement by strengthening and enhancing the local homeless services data system. The transition was necessary in order to support the community’s shared goal of delivering efficient and effective, impactful, data-informed homeless services. However, due to the transition, One Number metric data updates on the dashboard were delayed as we worked to develop the needed reports to provide these metrics to the community. We are excited to share that with the support of Community Solutions, Built for Zero, the needed reports have been finalized and we are able to resume our monthly reporting of the One Number. This week’s blog post provides an overview of the One Number update, what’s changed, the latest trends and analyses; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Leveraging Stella P to Enhance Homeless Services Systems: An Introduction to Charlotte-Mecklenburg's LSA Data Analysis](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/leveraging-stella-p-to-enhance-homeless-services-systems-an-introduction-to-charlotte-mecklenburgs-lsa-data-analysis/) - Stella is an analysis and strategy tool developed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support Continuums of Care (CoCs) in understanding the performance of their homeless services system. The Stella Performance Module (Stella P) visualizes homeless system performance using a CoC’s Longitudinal System Analysis (LSA) data so that the community can develop and monitor system performance improvement strategies. This blog is the first in a series of blogs that will examine Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s most recent LSA data using the Stella P Module. This blog provides an overview of the LSA and Stella P, highlights the System Performance Map, and explains how this tool can be used to develop system performance improvement strategy in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Research and News Roundup: March 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-march-2024/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup features the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s assessment of rental housing availability both locally and nationally, the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies 2024 America Rental Housing report which provides analysis and insights into the state of the rental housing market in the United States, and findings from the Los Angeles County Women’s Needs Assessment.
- [HUD’s Equal Access Assessment Tool and Why it’s Important](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/huds-equal-access-assessment-tool-and-why-its-important/) - On March 8th, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the updated, web-based, Equal Access Assessment Tool (EAAT). The EAAT can play a crucial role in promoting accountability, identifying areas for improvement, and supporting organizations in their efforts to provide inclusive and equitable services to individuals accessing shelter and services in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This blog provides an overview of the tool, what it assesses, and why it’s important.
- [HUD System Performance Measures: Successful Placement in or Retention of Permanent Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/hud-system-performance-measures-successful-placement-in-or-retention-of-permanent-housing/) - The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act mandates that Continuums of Care (CoCs) evaluate their efforts to address homelessness. To meet this requirement, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has established seven System Performance Measures. CoCs are required to report on these measures annually to demonstrate their effectiveness in addressing homelessness. These metrics serve as vital tools for monitoring local efforts and provide insights to inform system improvement. HUD uses the data provided by CoCs to evaluate their performance and determine the allocation of funding. This blog is the final installment in a series delving into Charlotte-Mecklenburg's performance on these measures and their significance for the local community. In this blog post, we offer an overview and present data on System Performance Measure Seven: Successful Placement in or Retention of Permanent Housing .
- [Research and News Roundup: February 2024](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/research-and-news-roundup-february-2024/) - The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup features recent research on the impact of cost-driven moves on children’s access to safety net services; an analysis of homeless rates in major cities; and the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve housing affordability.
- [HUD SYSTEM PERFORMANCE MEASURES: NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO BECAME HOMELESS FOR THE FIRST TIME](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/hud-system-performance-measures-number-of-people-who-became-homeless-for-the-first-time/)
- [2023 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness Report Deep Dive: Stable Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2023-state-of-housing-instability-and-homelessness-report-deep-dive-stable-housing/) - In December 2023, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2023 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) Report, a comprehensive analysis of current data on housing instability and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This report is a crucial tool for ensuring well-informed policy decisions, optimizing resource distribution, and enhancing systems of care. The report delves into three pivotal aspects of the housing continuum—housing instability, homelessness, and stable housing. This is the final blog in a series that has taken a deeper dive into these three aspects of the housing continuum. This final blog post examines the findings from the third housing continuum component: stable housing. It spotlights key findings related to stable housing and shares information about North Carolina's forthcoming participation in the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator and the promising practice of establishing community land trusts to increase access and availability of stable housing.
- [2023 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness Report Deep Dive: Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2023-state-of-housing-instability-and-homelessness-report-deep-dive-homelessness/) - In December 2023, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2023 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) Report which offers a comprehensive overview of the latest data on housing instability and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This report serves as a valuable resource for making informed policy and practice decisions, facilitating optimized resource allocation, and improving systems of care. The report explores three key components of the housing continuum: housing instability, homelessness, and stable housing. This blog is the second in a series of three blogs that take a deeper dive into each of these components. This blog post takes a deeper dive into the findings from the second component: homelessness. It also shares examples of practices that could be implemented locally and nationally to address homelessness.
- [A Home For All: Emergency Response Pillar](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/a-home-for-all-emergency-response-pillar/) - In August, United Way of Greater Charlotte (United Way) released the A Home For All Implementation Plan. Building on the priorities identified in the Strategic Framework, the Implementation Plan outlines which priorities to advance first in order to address housing instability and homelessness across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. We recently posted a series of blogs examining the initial three pillars of the A Home For All Implementation Plan: People, Prevention, and Production. We have since added a fourth pillar, responding to growing concern about the need to support those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. This blog provides an overview of the Emergency Response pillar.
- [2023 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness Report Deep Dive: Housing Instability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/sohih-deep-dive-housing-instability/) - On December 7, 2023 Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2023 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) Report. The annual SoHIH continues to provide a single dedicated synthesis of the most recent data on housing instability and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It provides a knowledge base from which to make informed policy and practice decisions to facilitate optimized resource allocation and systems of care. The report explores three key components of the housing continuum: housing instability, homelessness, and stable housing. This blog is the first in a series of three blogs will take a deeper dive into each of these components. This blog post takes a deeper dive into the findings from the first theme: housing instability. It also shares examples of policies and practices that could be implemented locally and nationally to address housing instability.
- [Imagine A County Where No One Has to Sleep Outside](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/imagine-a-county-where-no-one-has-to-sleep-outside/) - Over the past two days, 28 CMPD officers and 35 teams of over 200 community volunteers came together to ensure #EverybodyCountsCLT. Together these dedicated community members facilitated a successful 2024 Point in Time Count by providing logistical support and conducting surveys with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness across Mecklenburg County. Point in Time Count co-leads, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition would like to express their sincere gratitude to each person experiencing homelessness who completed the survey and all who engaged in the planning, volunteered their time, provided supplies and financial donations, or raised awareness for this year’s event. The work does not stop here. This blog provides an overview of the Count, what’s next, and how you can stay involved throughout the year.
- [A Home For All: 2023 Reflections and Look Ahead](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/a-home-for-all-2023-reflections-and-look-ahead/) - In August, United Way of Greater Charlotte (United Way) released the A Home For All Implementation Plan. Building on the priorities identified in the Strategic Framework, the Implementation Plan outlines which priorities to advance first in order to address housing instability and homelessness across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. We recently posted a series of blogs examining the initial three pillars of the A Home For All Implementation Plan: People, Prevention, and Production. A fourth pillar has been added as there is an increasing need for supports related to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. We will take a deep dive into the Emergency Response pillar next month. This blog provides reflections on the work of the implementation teams, specifically critical home repair (Prevention pillar) and the People pillar, and a look ahead.
- [Property in Charlotte Dedicates Units to Veterans Exiting Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/property-in-charlotte-dedicates-units-to-veterans-exiting-homelessness/) - The Charlotte homeless response team partnered with Community Solutions to purchase Park at Ferentino, a 216-unit apartment building. Half of the units will be dedicated to veterans exiting homelessness, while the other half will be leased as affordable homes. This resource will help the Charlotte-Mecklenburg homeless response team make progress toward solving veteran homelessness while preserving existing affordable housing. This blog provides an overview of the project and the anticipated impact for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2023 in Review: "Top Five" List for Learning More About Housing Instability and Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2023-top-five-list-for-learning-more-about-housing-instability-and-homelessness/) - Each year, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) releases an annual report series on housing instability and homelessness. The report series consists of two primary research products. The first, an integrated data report, is produced by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. These reports link cross-system data sources to explore housing instability and/or homelessness through an intersectional lens. In May, CSS released an integrated data report describing the rate and characteristics of people experiencing homelessness before and after incarceration by combining data from the Homeless Management Information System and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. An upcoming integrated data report will use combined information sources to describe risk factors for homelessness among foster care involved youth. The second major output in the series is the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. This report includes local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum. It also features data from the Point-in-Time Count; housing inventory; rental gaps; and system performance metrics. It provides a single resource for all housing and homelessness-related data and information pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The 2023 Report featured new data sources, and was released in early December. In addition to the locally produced housing instability and homelessness outputs described above, several other housing-related reports have been released during the past year. A previous blog post providing a "top five" reading list for Summer 2020. This blog post will update that list and provide you with a 2023 “top five” reading list, including a brief overview of each report, why you should read it, and what each means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [A Home For All: Production Pillar](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/a-home-for-all-production-pillar/) - In August, United Way of Greater Charlotte (United Way) released the A Home For All Implementation Plan. Building on the priorities identified in the Strategic Framework, the Implementation Plan outlines which priorities to advance first in order to address housing instability and homelessness across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. This is the third post in a series of blogs examining the three pillars of the A Home For All Implementation Plan: People, Prevention, and Production. For more information on the People Pillar, click here, and for the Prevention Pillar, click here. This blog provides an overview of the Production Pillar.
- [A Home For All: Prevention Pillar](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/a-home-for-all-prevention-pillar/)
- [2023 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Released Today](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2023-state-of-housing-instability-homelessness-report-released-today/) - Today, December 7, 2023, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2023 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) Report. The annual SoHIH report synthesizes local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum. It provides a knowledge base that Charlotte-Mecklenburg uses to make informed policy, practice, and funding decisions to facilitate optimized resource allocation and systems of care. This blog post outlines the key findings from the 2023 SoHIH and what it could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2024 Point-In-Time Count: Volunteers Needed To Help Ensure #Everybodycountsclt](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2024-point-in-time-count-volunteers-needed-to-help-ensure-everybodycountsclt/) - The 2024 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Point-in-Time (PIT) Count will take place on Thursday, January 25, 2024. This annual event is when the community comes together to survey and count each person experiencing sheltered or unsheltered homelessness on one night in January. On January 25th, volunteers and outreach teams will canvass the community to locate and engage individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Last year, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 1,916 people were counted, including 171 families, 106 unaccompanied youth (18-24), and 288 people sleeping outside. Preparations and planning are underway for the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count and we need your help. Full community support and engagement is needed to not only make this year’s PIT a success but to also move forward the work to prevent and end homelessness in Mecklenburg County. This blog post provides information on how individuals and agencies can get involved and support this year’s PIT Count.
- [Research and News Roundup: November 2023](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/research-and-news-roundup-november-2023/) - This blog is the first of a monthly blog series that will feature a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights on the full housing continuum and are intended to keep community stakeholders informed about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing instability and homelessness. This month’s Research and News Roundup features an innovative approach to using utility payments to predict first-time homelessness; opportunities and resources to increase affordable housing by converting commercial properties; and proposed expansion of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, a first of its kind program that provides non-medical interventions that address housing instability and other social determinants of health (SDOH) to Medicaid participants.
- [Addressing Veteran Homelessness: Services and Collaborative Efforts in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/addressing-veteran-homelessness-services-and-collaborative-efforts-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - As of November 1, 2023, there were 268 Veterans experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County. Forty-six of these Vets are chronically homeless, which means they have a disability and have been homeless one year or longer or four times in the past three years. Interagency collaboration between organizations like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Mecklenburg County, and non-profit organizations is essential to preventing and ending Veteran homelessness. This blog describes Veteran homelessness and highlights the services of some of the many organizations working to address Veteran homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [HUD System Performance Measures: Employment and Income Growth](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/hud-system-performance-measures-employment-and-income-growth/) - The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act mandates that Continuums of Care (CoCs) evaluate their collective work in resolving homelessness. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has established seven System Performance Measures to serve this purpose. On an annual basis, Charlotte-Mecklenburg is required to report its performance on six of these measures to HUD. System Performance Measures play a pivotal role in securing CoC funding and act as valuable tools for local oversight and system enhancement. This blog is the fourth installment in a series exploring Charlotte-Mecklenburg's performance on these measures and their implications for the local community. In this blog post, we offer an overview and present data on System Performance Measure Four: Employment and Income Growth for Homeless Persons in CoC Program-funded Projects.
- [Amplifying Voices: The Vital Role of Lived Experience Committees in Homelessness Solutions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/amplifying-voices-the-vital-role-of-lived-experience-committees-in-homelessness-solutions/) - The voices of people with lived expertise of homelessness are crucial to all planning and decision-making activities related to the Continuum of Care. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) Lived Experience Committee (LEC) is a collaborative of individuals who work together to provide a platform for individuals who have experienced homelessness to share their insights, perspectives, and recommendations on issues related to homelessness and the services, policies, and strategies designed to address it. This blog post will provide an introduction to Lived Experience Committees and highlight the work of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care Lived Experience Committee.
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Coordinated Entry System](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/charlotte-mecklenburgs-coordinated-entry-system/) - From July 2023 – September 2023, 1637, people (including children) had a Coordinated Entry Housing Needs assessment via a local Coordinated Entry System access point. Coordinated Entry Systems (CESs) are designed to streamline access to services and housing resources, reduce homelessness, and ensure that resources are allocated fairly based on need. The local CES is a collaborative effort between local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community partners dedicated to addressing homelessness in a coordinated and efficient manner. This blog provides an overview of Coordinated Entry, what it is and is not, and how persons in need can access the local coordinated entry system.
- [A Home For All: People Pillar](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/a-home-for-all-people-pillar/) - Recently, United Way of Greater Charlotte (United Way) released the A Home For All Implementation Plan. Building on the priorities identified in the Strategic Framework, the Implementation Plan outlines which priorities to advance first in order to address housing instability and homelessness across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. This is the first post in a series of blogs that will examine the three pillars of the A Home For All Implementation Plan: People, Prevention, and Production. This blog provides an overview of the People Pillar.
- [HUD System Performance Measures: Number of Homeless Persons](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/hud-system-performance-measures-number-of-homeless-persons/) - The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires Continuums of Care (CoCs) to assess their collective efforts to address homelessness. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has created seven System Performance Measures for this purpose. Annually, Charlotte-Mecklenburg is required to report its performance on six of these measures to HUD. These measures are important for securing CoC funding and serve as tools for local monitoring and system improvement. This is the third post in a series of blogs that examines Charlotte-Mecklenburg's performance on these measures and the implications for the local community. This blog provides an overview of and presents data on System Performance Measure Three: Number of Homeless Persons.
- [Empowering Change: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Action Board's Journey to End Youth Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/empowering-change-the-charlotte-mecklenburg-youth-action-boards-journey-to-end-youth-homelessness/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Action Board (YAB) is a collective of individuals aged 18 to 24 who have experienced homelessness. Together, they collaborate to engage in discussions and develop strategies aimed at ending youth homelessness in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. This blog post will provide an introduction to Homeless Youth Action Boards and spotlight the work of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Action Board.
- [Enhancing Support for Older Foster Youth: A Collaborative Ecosystem Analysis](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/enhancing-support-for-older-foster-youth-a-collaborative-ecosystem-analysis/) - The Division of Youth and Family Services (YFS) within Mecklenburg County's Department of Social Services (DSS) partnered with First Place for Youth (First Place) to conduct a thorough ecosystem mapping and analysis. The analysis focused on understanding and addressing the needs and gaps of the system serving the county’s older foster youth (18-21) who are preparing to transition out of foster care. The comprehensive analysis process involved extensive stakeholder interviews, targeted focus groups, data analysis, desk research, and meaningful listening sessions with over a dozen youth with lived experience in foster care and encompassed an evaluation of services provided, available community resources, policies, and agency capacity. To launch the endeavor, a group of young adults with lived experience in the system, YFS staff, and other key stakeholders co-created a future vision for how the system can support older foster youth in the years ahead: “All youth and young adults transitioning out of foster care in Mecklenburg County have the life skills required to thrive and attain self-sufficiency by age 21.” Mecklenburg County Community Support Services’ Housing Innovation and Stabilization Services Division was also engaged to share insights on other supportive housing models throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Although funding and resources existed for this vulnerable population, deeper investment and more strategic engagement were necessary in order to create better outcomes for aged out youth. This blog provides an overview of key learnings and recommendations from the ecosystem analysis and how Mecklenburg County is moving from insights to action to improve outcomes for youth transitioning out of foster care.
- [A Home For All: How Did We Get Here?](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/a-home-for-all-how-did-we-get-here/) - Recently, United Way of Greater Charlotte (United Way) released the A Home For All Implementation Plan. Building on the priorities identified in the A Home for All Strategic Framework , the Implementation Plan outlines which priorities to advance first in order to address housing instability and homelessness across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Following the publication of the Framework, the community asked United Way to serve as the lead of the enduring structure charged with guiding the work over the next four years and translating the framework into an actionable implementation plan. United Way convened a Technical Committee comprised of 70+ individuals with professional and lived expertise related to homelessness and housing insecurity. The committee helped ensure that implementation priorities were community and data-driven and informed by best practices. Over the last nine months, preliminary initiatives from the Strategic Framework were prioritized and synthesized into the Implementation Plan. This blog will provide an overview of the work of the Technical Committee and the process for getting from the Strategic Framework to the Implementation Plan.
- [HUD System Performance Measures: Returns to Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/hud-system-performance-measures-returns-to-homelessness/) - The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires Continuums of Care (CoCs) to assess their collective efforts in addressing homelessness. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has created seven System Performance Measures for this purpose. Annually, Charlotte-Mecklenburg is required to report its performance on six of these measures to HUD. These measures are not only important for securing CoC funding but also serve as tools for local monitoring and system improvement. This is the second post in a series of blogs that will examine Charlotte-Mecklenburg's performance on these measures and the implications for the local community. This blog provides an overview of and presents data on System Performance Measure Two: Returns to Homelessness Within 24 Months.
- [Report Reveals Growing Housing Crisis: Analyzing Worst Case Housing Needs](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/report-reveals-growing-housing-crisis-analyzing-worst-case-housing-needs/) - Last week, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the Executive Summary for their 2023 Worse Case Housing Needs Report to Congress. The 2023 Worst Case Housing Needs Report to Congress analyzes recent data from the 2021 American Housing Survey (AHS) to examine critical housing challenges facing low-income renters. The 2023 report highlights a consistent increase in severe housing needs across demographics, households, and regions in the US since 2019. The rising demand for affordable rental housing continues to surpass income growth and the capacity of government to develop affordable housing stock and provide housing assistance. These factors have led to a record-breaking number of families facing worst case housing needs. This blog provides an overview of worst case housing needs, the 2023 Executive Summary, and what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Understanding Student Homelessness and Support Services](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/understanding-student-homelessness-and-support-services/) - As we begin the 2023-2024 school year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) already has 2,369 students who are enrolled in McKinney-Vento services. CMS closed out the 2022-2023 school year with 4,815 homeless students, a 15% increase from the 4,206 students (including Pre-K and younger siblings) who experienced homelessness and housing instability during the 2021-2022 school year. Homelessness has a significant impact on the physical and mental health of children, often resulting in diminished social-emotional and academic well-being. Children experiencing homelessness and housing instability are at risk for higher rates of school absenteeism, poorer performance in math and reading assessments, school suspensions, and have an elevated risk of high school drop out. This blog provides an overview of student homelessness and the services that are in place to support them.
- [Planning for System-Wide Landlord Engagement](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/images/planning-for-system-wide-landlord-engagement/) - Beginning in August 2022, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) engaged with Erica Snyder Consulting to conduct a community assessment to identify current system-wide landlord engagement practices and to facilitate a community-engaged planning process . The goals of this effort were two-fold: increase access to available rental units and develop a strategy for targeted landlord recruitment and retention. The assessment and planning process involved meeting with homeless services housing providers and partners currently engaging with landlords to determine strengths and areas for growth in the existing system. Initial findings were presented at a community meeting led by the CoC Landlord Engagement Workgroup. In December 2022, CoC partners came together for two half-day sessions to discuss creating a CoC-wide vision for a landlord engagement system. This blog provides an overview of the community assessment and planning process and outlines recommendations for improved system-wide landlord engagement.
- [A Home For All: Implementation Plan Overview](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/a-home-for-all-implementation-plan-overview/) - This month, United Way of Greater Charlotte (United Way) released the A Home For All Implementation Plan. Building on the priorities identified in the Strategic Framework, the Implementation Plan outlines which priorities to advance first in order to address housing instability and homelessness across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. This Plan represents the culmination of months of rigorous planning, research, and community-wide collaboration. Over the last year, meticulous work has facilitated narrowing down the 99 initial priorities put forth in the A Home For All Strategic Framework to create this Implementation Plan. The plan outlines nine initiatives to move forward over the next four years. United Way, with support from Mecklenburg County, serves as the Enduring Structure leading this work. To read the A Home For All Implementation Plan, click here. This blog post will provide an overview of the Plan as well as key takeaways.
- [HUD System Performance Measures: Evaluating Progress in Ending Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/hud-system-performance-measures-evaluating-progress-in-ending-homelessness/) - The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act mandates that Continuums of Care (CoCs) evaluate their performance as a coordinated system to assess their system’s collective work towards preventing and ending homelessness. To that end, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has developed seven System Performance Measures. Charlotte-Mecklenburg is required to report performance on six of these measures to HUD annually. The measures are not only a part of the selection criteria for CoC funding awards but can and should be used locally to monitor progress and drive system improvement. Over the next several months, the Building Bridges Blog will examine local performance on each System Performance Measure and explore what these measures and local performance mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This blog provides an overview of the HUD System Performance Measures and presents information and data on System Performance Measure One.
- [Addressing Older Adult Homelessness: Mecklenburg County's Hotel Conversion Housing Project](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/addressing-older-adult-homelessness-mecklenburg-countys-hotel-conversion-housing-project/) - In May 2020, at the onset of COVID-19, Mecklenburg County opened a hotel to provide a safe, non-congregate setting for older adults who were experiencing homelessness and had health conditions that made them high risk for morbidity if they contracted COVID-19. In 2022, Mecklenburg County invested $13.6 million dollars of American Rescue Plan Act funding to buy and renovate a 90-unit hotel to provide permanent, affordable, supportive housing to serve this vulnerable population. Phase One of the renovations were recently completed and on June 29th, the 29 remaining residents of the hotel were relocated to fully furnished apartments in the hotel conversion project. This blog provides an overview of the state and nature of older adult homelessness and what’s being done locally to address the housing needs of this growing population.
- [Addressing LGBTQ+ Homelessness: Challenges, Disparities, and Promising Practices](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/addressing-lgbtq-homelessness-challenges-disparities-and-promising-practices/) - In the United States, LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of homelessness compared to non-LGBTQ+ individuals. This disparity is particularly pronounced among LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ people of color. Transgender individuals, in particular, face unique difficulties when seeking housing, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges further. The overrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the homeless population can be attributed to various risk factors, including family rejection and discrimination. LGBTQ+ homelessness is also associated with heightened vulnerabilities to negative outcomes. It is crucial to create safe and affirming environments where LGBTQ+ individuals can access the support they need to break the cycle of homelessness. This blog provides an overview of LGBTQ+ homelessness, challenges and gaps in services, and the efforts of local service providers such as the CCP LGBTQ+ Life Center and Time Out Youth. It also highlights current national efforts and promising practices that provide safe and affirming care to LGBTQ+ persons experiencing homelessness.
- [Enhancing Homeless Services Data: Charlotte-Mecklenburg's HMIS Transition to Clarity Human Services: Bitfocus](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/uncategorized/enhancing-homeless-services-data-charlotte-mecklenburgs-hmis-transition-to-clarity-human-services-bitfocus/) - On July 10, 2023, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care implemented a new Homeless Management Information System (HMIS): Clarity Human Services: Bitfocus. The system launch is the culmination of a yearlong system improvement effort to strengthen and enhance the local homeless services data system. This blog provides an overview of HMIS, the vendor selection process, the anticipated impact, and what to expect in the coming months.
- [A Home For All: Budget Requests and Next Steps](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/uncategorized/a-home-for-all-budget-requests-and-next-steps/) - On June 27, United Way of Greater Charlotte (United Way) released the A Home For All Implementation Plan Executive Summary outlining priorities and actionable steps to move Charlotte-Mecklenburg forward in our community’s shared effort to address affordable housing and homelessness. Over the last nine months, meticulous work led to narrowing down the 99 initial priorities put forth in the A Home For All Strategic Framework to create an Implementation Plan. The plan outlines nine initiatives to move forward over the next four years. United Way, with support from Mecklenburg County, served as the Enduring Structure leading the work. To read more about the June 2023 release of the A Home For All Implementation Plan Executive Summary, click here. This update will provide an overview of the initial budget request put forth by United Way and approved by the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, as well as next steps.
- [Understanding Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg: Exploring the Sheltered Homeless Census and One Number Data](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/understanding-homelessness-in-charlotte-mecklenburg-exploring-the-sheltered-homeless-census-and-one-number-data/) - Each year Continuums of Care (CoCs) across the United States conduct the HUD Point-in-Time (PIT) count, a nationwide effort focused on gathering data on homelessness. The primary goals of the PIT count are to estimate the total number of individuals experiencing homelessness and gain insights into their demographics and living conditions to inform policies and programs addressing homelessness. The PIT count consists of two main components: the Sheltered Homeless Census and the Unsheltered Homeless Census. The Sheltered Homeless Census focuses on quantifying the number of individuals residing in emergency shelters, safe havens, or transitional housing on the night of the count. The Unsheltered Homeless Census aims to enumerate individuals who are experiencing homelessness and are living in places not intended for habitation, such as on the streets, in vehicles, or other unsheltered locations. Both components are necessary in order to capture individuals who access shelter services and those who do not. The annual PIT Count is an important data source that can be used by communities to assess homelessness trends and inform policy and funding decisions but it has a number of limitations and is widely acknowledged as not capturing the full extent of homelessness in the United States. For this reason CoCs supplement PIT data with other data sources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of homelessness. Locally, One Number data, which is updated monthly, is a key data source that is utilized to better understand the current state of homelessness in Mecklenburg County. A previous blog post provided in an in-depth description of the limitations of the PIT count and data from the 2023 Unsheltered Homeless Census. This blog focuses on the 2023 Sheltered Homeless Census and the community’s One Number.
- [Housing First Training Strengthens Community's Response to Homelessness and Improves Outcomes](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/housing-first-training-strengthens-communitys-response-to-homelessness-and-improves-outcomes/) - The Housing First model is widely recognized as an effective and compassionate approach to addressing homelessness. It is an evidence-based model that has been shown to be successful in helping individuals achieve housing stability, improve their overall well-being, and reduce public costs associated with emergency services and institutional care. By recognizing housing as a fundamental right and addressing homelessness as a housing issue first, Housing First aims to create a solid foundation for individuals to achieve long-term stability. In early April, the Mecklenburg County Community Support Services Housing Innovation and Stabilization Services team, in collaboration with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care, organized a two-day Housing First training led by Pathways to Housing PA. The training brought together over 100 local homeless services providers to develop a deeper understanding of the Housing First model and served as the kickoff event for a 12-week community training from Housing First University. This blog provides an overview of the Housing First model, the training being provided by Housing First University, and the expected impact for people experiencing homelessness and the greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.
- [Bridging the Gap: Addressing Unsheltered Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/bridging-the-gap-addressing-unsheltered-homelessness-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - The annual HUD Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a comprehensive effort conducted across the United States to gather data on homelessness. It consists of two components: the Sheltered Homeless Census which quantifies the number of individuals who were in an emergency shelter, safe haven, or transitional housing on the night of the PIT and the Unsheltered Homeless Census. A future blog post will present data from the 2023 Sheltered Homeless Census. This blog focuses on the 2023 Unsheltered Homeless Census, the state of unsheltered homelessness locally and nationally, strategic outreach, and the work underway to address unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Three Takeaways From New Report on Homelessness and Incarceration in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/three-takeaways-from-new-report-on-homelessness-and-incarceration-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Today, May 4th, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the Homelessness Among the Incarcerated Population Integrated Data Report, authored by the Charlotte Urban Institute. This report examines the rate of and risk factors for homelessness among those experiencing incarceration in Mecklenburg County detention centers. This report is part of the Housing Instability & Homelessness Integrated Data Report Series. This year’s Integrated Data Report looks different from prior years. The report is shorter and focused on the findings, but links readers to a methodology brief where they can learn more about how the study was conducted. This new format is intended to make the findings and implications of the study more accessible to the public. This blog post outlines the key findings from the report and what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Reintroducing the Building Bridges Blog](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/reintroducing_the_building_bridges_blog/) - Welcome back to the Building Bridges blog. During the past few months amidst submitting the 2022 HUD System Performance Measures, publishing the 2022 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report, and conducting the 2023 Point-In-Count, we have spent time reevaluating how this blog can best serve the community. The mission of the blog remains the same: highlight the important work being done in Charlotte-Mecklenburg in relation to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing; and connect local, regional, and national data, research, policy, and practice so that all stakeholders in the community can use it to drive advocacy, policymaking, funding allocation, and programmatic change.
- [2023 Point-In-Time Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/2023-point-in-time-count/) - The Point-in-Time Count will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. This is the one night each year when our community comes together to survey each person experiencing sheltered or unsheltered homelessness throughout Mecklenburg County.
- [Introducing the Homelessness Prevention Integrated Data Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/introducing-the-homelessness-prevention-integrated-data-report/) - Today’s blog provides an introduction to the Homelessness Prevention Integrated Data Report. UNCC Urban Institute researchers examined the relationship between the provision of rental assistance, a type of targeted homeless prevention assistance, and later experiences of homelessness.
- [2022 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Released Today](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/2022-state-of-housing-instability-homelessness-report-released-today/) - Today, February 23, 2023 Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2022 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) Report. The annual SoHIH report synthesizes, analyzes, and shares local, state, and national data with the community for stakeholders. It serves as the foundation Charlotte-Mecklenburg utilizes to better understand gaps and inform policy and funding decisions and solutions. This year is the first year in which Mecklenburg County Community Support Services’ Housing Innovation and Stabilization Services Division (HISS) fully authored the report. UNC Charlotte’s Urban Institute has provided consultation during this transition in order to maintain the intention and integrity of this report. Going forward, the SOHIH will build on the success of previous reports produced by UNC Charlotte’s Urban Institute and will continue to provide data on the full housing continuum to the community. This blog post outlines the key findings from the 2022 SoHIH and what it could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [State of Housing: September 2022](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/state-of-housing-september-2022/) - Rummaging through old storage boxes, I came across a paper I worked on almost three decades ago, in the fourth grade. The paper was on homelessness, and it was actually the culmination of a whole unit devoted to the topic. I have no conscious recollection of writing it. But I believe that introduction to the topic made an imprint on me, shaping the worldview that I have today. My fourth grade teacher was organized enough to leave behind clues of what we did: we watched a video about a person named Eddie who had experienced homelessness, to see how difficult life is to survive on the streets; we heard from other speakers about how people who experience homelessness fall outside of our circular economy; we saved grocery receipts to learn firsthand how expensive food is; and we read “The Boxcar Children” to help us learn and develop empathy for peers who experience homelessness. Looking back, I’m blown away. Having been exposed to, and invited to struggle with, these complex issues at that age, how could I not both pay attention to, and want to do something about, them as an adult? As part of the new monthly series on the state of housing in the community, today’s blog consists of two primary components: a high-level summary of the latest data and trends on housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing; and a curated list of relevant housing-related news and research from the month prior. Together, these items are intended to keep all stakeholders in the community informed about both the challenges and the solutions related to addressing the problems of housing instability and homelessness.
- [The Obstacle Is the Way](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-obstacle-is-the-way/) - As Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius put it nearly 2000 years ago: “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” In March 2020, Roof Above - our team and those we serve - faced impediments all around us. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Roof Above immediately recognized that how we sheltered people, fed people, and offered services had to change to keep those we serve and the community safe. We scoured our city for motel partners to offer the critical need of socially-distanced emergency shelter. It was in that pursuit that I first walked into a hotel at the intersection of Clanton Rd. and Interstate 77 in the spring of 2020. The hotel was facing its own impediments. Largely providing one-night stays to people passing through our community, the hotel was struggling given the steep drop off in travel. Each organization was struggling with our own pandemic driven challenges. But, together, we found a new path forward. Several weeks later, Roof Above was under contract to purchase the hotel – first to temporarily use it to serve the community’s emergency shelter need and then to transform the hotel to a permanent supportive housing community. The new apartment community - SECU The Rise on Clanton – welcomed our first tenants last week.
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Coordinated Entry](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/charlotte-mecklenburg-coordinated-entry/) - In 2014, the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) required that communities implement a Coordinated Entry system. The goal of an effective Coordinated Entry system is to allocate available resources effectively and with transparency. Most importantly, it takes the burden off of individuals seeking assistance in the midst of a crisis in that they just need to call one place vs. calling each agency to inquire if there are resources and if they are eligible.
- [State of Housing: June 2022](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/state-of-housing-june-2022/) - As part of the new monthly series on the state of housing in the community, today’s blog consists of two primary components: a high-level summary of the latest data and trends on housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing; and a curated list of relevant housing-related news and research from the month prior. Together, these items are intended to keep all stakeholders in the community informed about both the challenges and the solutions related to addressing the problems of housing instability and homelessness.
- [Unsheltered NOFO](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/unsheltered-nofo/) - On June 22, 2022, HUD released a special NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) to specifically address the unsheltered homelessness crisis across the country. Charlotte-Mecklenburg is eligible to apply for up to $5.7MIL through this opportunity.
- [State of Housing: May 2022](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/state-of-housing-may-2022/) - Last week’s blog mentioned some “ch-ch-ch-ch-changes” coming to the Building Bridges blog post, including the impending arrival of two new anchor posts. Today’s blog marks the release of the first of the two: the new “State of Housing” monthly update for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. With a new look and format, this monthly update consists of two components: a high-level summary of the latest data and trends on housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing; and a curated list of relevant housing-related news and research from the previous month. Together, these items are intended to keep all stakeholders in the community informed about both the challenges and solutions related to addressing the problems of housing instability and homelessness. This week’s blog post describes the current state of housing in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and what this means for the community.
- [Enduring Structure Update: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/enduring-structure-update-charlotte-mecklenburg-housing-homelessness-strategy/) - On behalf of Mecklenburg County and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing and Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), I am pleased to share the news that we have created an Enduring Structure with the United Way of Central Carolinas (UWCC) as the local non-profit lead agency. We are thrilled that the United Way of Central Carolinas has agreed to step into this role and provide their unique expertise as we create a structure that will codify this work. This is the next step in this community-driven process, as recommended and described by the CMHHS A Home for All Strategic Framework. This update will provide an overview of the Enduring Structure, including what it is and what it will do, and ultimately, what it means for all of Mecklenburg County.
- [A Home for All Strategic Framework: Released Today](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/a-home-for-all-strategic-framework-released-today/) - I am excited to share, today, the release of A Home for All: Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Strategy to End and Prevent Homelessness – Part 1: Strategic Framework. This document represents the culmination of our community’s work to develop a comprehensive, transformative strategy to address both housing instability and homelessness. Cathy Bessant, Vice Chair of Global Strategy at Bank of America; and Eugene Woods, President and CEO of Atrium Health, served as the co-chairs of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which is the body that produced this framework. Launched almost one year ago, CMHHS is truly a community-wide effort. CMHHS incorporated representation from across the public and private sectors to develop a strategy that ensures that homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring in Charlotte-Mecklenburg; a strategy that is focused on providing every person access to permanent, affordable housing and the resources to sustain their housing. This is our collective vision. With the release of the framework today, we aim to make it our reality. This brief provides highlights from the new framework and outlines next steps, including opportunities for continued engagement in the months ahead, and ultimately, the potential for permanent, positive change in Mecklenburg County.
- [Grounds for Change: Repurposing YWCA Land For Affordable Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/grounds-for-change-repurposing-ywca-land-for-affordable-housing/) - Paid off eviction debt. Paid off utility debt. Set a workable budget. Stuck to my budget! Negotiated better pay at work. Cut expenses. Started saving. Added to savings. Did all I was supposed to do to be ready to secure permanent housing. Why am I not finding a place I can afford to live? Staff heard this lament over and over again from housing participants of our Women In Transition and Families Together programs at YWCA Central Carolinas. The challenge grew more difficult year after year. We shared their frustration: How can we deliver on the promise of safe, affordable housing for the individuals and families we serve when demand far exceeds supply and what supply exists is reducing rapidly? The purpose of this post is to share information about how YWCA has wrestled with this question, and how we are seeking to answer it. Finally, we will share what we believe this can mean for the work to end and prevent homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Meet the newest CoC Governing Board Member](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/meet-the-newest-coc-governing-board-member/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) announces a new member to its CoC Governing Board. Kim Ciepcielinski will serve in the Prevention Provider Elected Seat. We are excited to have Kim on the Board and look forward to her knowledge and expertise. Please see below more information about this new Governing Board member.
- [Meet the newest CoC Governing Board Members](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/meet-the-newest-coc-governing-board-members/)
- [ICYMI: In Case You Missed It – The Top Ten (Posts) of 2021](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/icymi-in-case-you-missed-it-the-top-ten-posts-of-2021/) - During 2021, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Dashboard published 49 blog posts covering an array of topics, including new system-focused efforts in the community to address homelessness; combatting myths and misconceptions that stall progress; new report releases (and what they mean for the community); and local data and trends information. Throughout the year, more than 21,400 individuals accessed the Dashboard; this was nearly double the amount from the year prior. There were over 56,000 pageviews as a result. In case you missed any of it, this first blog post of 2022 is dedicated to the top ten posts (as measured by discrete views) from 2021. Below are summaries; links to the “top ten” posts; and the “so, what” for Charlotte-Mecklenburg to consider as we forge ahead into 2022.
- [From Point-in-Time Count to the 2022 SoHIH and More: “Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes”](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/from-point-in-time-count-to-the-2022-sohih-and-more-ch-ch-ch-ch-changes/) - “Strange fascination, fascinating me / Ah, changes are taking / The pace I'm going through.” These are lyrics from David Bowie’s song, “Changes,” which was originally released on the 1971 Hunky Dory album. Becoming one of his most popular songs of all time, pieces and parts of “Changes” have also appeared in films; been studied in classrooms; and used in all kinds of settings to represent (and unpack) the meaty concept of change. In fact, the song has also been used by those who have studied Bowie, deemed the “chameleon of rock” as a “manifesto of his entire career.” Out of context, this song is all about change; and it has come to mean (and give) different things to different people. But, put into historical context, the meaning is given even more weight: the album in which “Changes” was released came at a time when Bowie was reinventing his artistic identity, in which those fascinations were setting the pace for what was to come, and which, ultimately, would define his career. Similarly, this week’s blog is meant to outline some changes in how we communicate data about housing instability and homelessness, including through the Building Bridges Blog posts; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Dashboard; and the 2022 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness Report. This post provides an overview of those changes, what any of this has to do with David Bowie, and what this can mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [A Home for All Strategic Framework: What's the Cost? Part 2?](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/a-home-for-all-strategic-framework-whats-the-cost-part-2/) - Last week’s blog, “A Home for All Strategic Framework: What’s the Cost? Part 1” explored what goes into calculating the cost to end and prevent homelessness and why coordinated funding alignment is necessary. When the Strategic Framework was released in January 2022, it did not include an itemized list of expenditures nor a big-ticket funding request of any body. This was absolutely intentional. Funding recommendations will ultimately be offered as part of the implementation plan. However, one of the biggest topics of discussion has been, and will continue to be: “What does it cost to end and prevent homelessness?” Other relevant questions include, “Who is/will be on the hook?” “Is this a $50 million problem; a $250 million issue; more?” Is this going to be advanced as a one-time ask?” “What is the annual cost to sustain these efforts?” This week’s blog builds upon the content from last week, sharing examples of what from other communities are expending on similar efforts; and what all of this could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [A Home for All Strategic Framework: What’s the Cost? Part 1](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/a-home-for-all-strategic-framework-whats-the-cost-part-1/) - Released in January 2022, A Home for All: Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Strategy to End and Prevent Homelessness – Part 1: Strategic Framework reflects the community’s work during the past year to develop a comprehensive, transformative strategy to address both housing instability and homelessness. As the first document to be released from this effort, the Strategic Framework provides the roadmap for the work ahead. The framework serves to outline the vision and major objectives across each of the following nine areas: prevention; shelter; affordable housing; cross-sector supports; unified policy advocacy; coordinated funding alignment; innovative data and analytics; communications; and long-term strategy. Previous blog posts have plunged into the recommendations of the four “what” workstream recommendations that correspond to a part of the housing continuum in the Strategic Framework: prevention; shelter; affordable housing; and cross-sector supports. The Strategic Framework did not include an itemized list of expenditures nor a big-ticket funding request of any body. This was absolutely deliberate. Funding recommendations will ultimately be offered as part of the implementation plan. Of course, however, one of the biggest topics of discussion has been, and will continue to be: “What does it cost to end and prevent homelessness?” Other relevant questions include, “Who is/will be on the hook?” “Is this a $50 million problem; a $250 million issue; more?” “Is this going to be advanced as a one-time ask?” “What is the annual cost to sustain these efforts?” This week’s blog is the first in a two-part series focused on inquiries like these. To answer, we must first explore what goes into calculating the cost to end and prevent homelessness; why coordinated funding alignment is absolutely necessary; and what other communities are expending on similar efforts. Finally, the two-part blog series will address what all of this could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Continuum Data Update - March 2022](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-continuum-data-update-march-2022/) - Launched last year, the Housing & Homelessness Continuum Data Update is one part of the continuous improvement program supporting our progress from a focus on the Point-in-Time Count, One Number, and other disparate data sources; to reliance on a more comprehensive and inclusive data set that reflects the full continuum of need, from housing instability to homelessness. The One Number is a monthly census that includes all sheltered, and a portion of unsheltered, homelessness. The One Number has itself been subject to continuous improvement methodologies. However, even with the advances made to enumerating homelessness using the One Number, there remain many households who experience housing instability and homelessness but who are not captured in the data inputs. It is critical to identify the households “in the gap” to both understand the full need for services, and to construct effective solutions to address these needs. This shift is also articulated as a need within the A Home for All Strategic Framework: identifying and closing the remaining gaps in data collection and reporting across the full housing continuum. To that end, this week’s blog will provide the latest updates regarding both housing instability and homelessness for the data sources we currently have; and highlight the areas in which gaps still exist; as well as the work underway to address those gaps. Finally, the blog will share what the latest trends show, and what all of this could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Continuum Data Update: February 2022](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-continuum-data-update-february-2022/) - Last year, the Building Bridges Blog launched a new, monthly data update: the Housing & Homelessness Continuum Data Update, which is intended to be part of our continuous improvement program. The Housing & Homelessness Continuum (HHC) will progress the community from a focus on the Point-in-Time Count, One Number and other disparate data sources to reliance on a more comprehensive and inclusive data set that reflects the full continuum from housing instability to homelessness. The One Number is a monthly census that includes sheltered and a portion of unsheltered homelessness. The One Number has also been subject to continuous improvement methodologies. However, even with the advances made to enumerating homelessness using the One Number, there are still many households who experience housing instability and homelessness and who are not captured in the data inputs. It is critical to identify the households “in the gap” to both understand the full need for services, and to construct effective solutions to address these needs. This approach is also called out as a need in the A Home for All Strategic Framework: identifying and closing the remaining gaps in data collection and reporting across the full housing continuum. To that end, this week’s blog will provide the latest updates regarding both housing instability and homelessness for the data sources we currently have; and highlight the areas in which gaps exist as well as the work underway to address those gaps. Finally, the blog will share what the latest trends show, and what all of this could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [A Home for All Strategic Framework: Deep Dive #4 - Cross-Sector Supports](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/a-home-for-all-strategic-framework-deep-dive-4-cross-sector-supports/) - Released last month, A Home for All: Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Strategy to End and Prevent Homelessness – Part 1: Strategic Framework reflects the community’s work during the past year to develop a comprehensive, transformative strategy to address both housing instability and homelessness. As the first document to be released from this effort, the Strategic Framework provides the roadmap for the work ahead. The framework serves to outline the vision and the major objectives across each of the following nine areas: prevention; shelter; affordable housing; cross-sector supports; policy; funding; data; communications; and long-term strategy. While any one area of impact and intervention can help chip away at the gaps, the real work must be done on the sum rather than the parts. At the same time, it is essential that we understand each individual part so that we can best position them to complement each other and function effectively as a system. This week’s blog is the final in a new series that seeks to unpack each of the four impact areas in the Strategic Framework aimed at addressing a part of the housing continuum: prevention; temporary housing; affordable housing; and cross-sector supports. This blog is focused on cross-sector supports, covering what they are, why they are important, what the recommendations in the Strategic Framework entail, and ultimately, what all of this could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [A Home For All Strategic Framework: Deep Dive #3 Affordable Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/a-home-for-all-strategic-framework-deep-dive-3-affordable-housing/) - Released last month, A Home for All: Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Strategy to End and Prevent Homelessness – Part 1: Strategic Framework reflects the community’s work during the past year to develop a comprehensive, transformative strategy to address both housing instability and homelessness. As the first document to be released from this effort, the Strategic Framework provides the roadmap for the work ahead. The framework serves to outline the vision and the major objectives across each of the following nine areas: prevention; shelter; affordable housing; cross-sector supports; policy; funding; data; communications; and long-term strategy. While any one area of impact and intervention can help chip away at the gaps, the real work must be done on the sum rather than the parts. At the same time, it is essential that we understand each individual part so that we can best position them to complement each other and function effectively as a system. This week’s blog is the third in a new series that seeks to unpack each of the four impact areas in the Strategic Framework aimed at addressing a part of the housing continuum: prevention; temporary housing; affordable housing; and cross-sector supports. This blog is focused on affordable housing, covering what it is, why it is important, what the recommendations in the Strategic Framework entail, and ultimately, what all of this could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [A Home For All Strategic Framework: Deep Dive #2 - Temporary Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/a-home-for-all-strategic-framework-deep-dive-2-temporary-housing/) - Released last month, A Home for All: Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Strategy to End and Prevent Homelessness – Part 1: Strategic Framework reflects the community’s work during the past year to develop a comprehensive, transformative strategy to address both housing instability and homelessness. As the first document to be released from this effort, the Strategic Framework provides the roadmap for the work ahead. The framework serves to outline the vision and the major objectives across each of the following nine areas: prevention; shelter; affordable housing; cross-sector supports; policy; funding; data; communications; and long-term strategy. While any one area of impact and intervention can help chip away at the gaps, the real work must be done on the sum rather than the parts. At the same time, it is essential that we understand each individual part so that we can best position them to complement each other and function effectively as a system. This week’s blog is the second in a new series that seeks to unpack each of the four impact areas in the Strategic Framework aimed at addressing a part of the housing problem: prevention; temporary housing; affordable housing; and cross-sector supports. This blog, which is focused on temporary housing, covers what temporary housing is (and isn’t), why it is important, what the recommendations in the Strategic Framework entail, and ultimately, what all of this could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [A Home For All Strategic Framework: Deep Dive #1 Prevention](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/a-home-for-all-strategic-framework-deep-dive-1-prevention/) - Last week, A Home for All: Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Strategy to End and Prevent Homelessness – Part 1: Strategic Framework was released. The Strategic Framework reflects the community’s work during the past year to develop a comprehensive, transformative strategy to address both housing instability and homelessness. As the first document to be released from this effort, the Strategic Framework provides the roadmap for the work ahead; serving to outline the vision and the major objectives across each of the following nine areas: prevention; shelter; affordable housing; cross-sector supports; policy; funding; data; communications; and long-term strategy. The Strategic Framework is only one part of the overall strategy, but perhaps the most important. This is why 9 workstreams held standing meetings, and over 250 individuals in the community were engaged directly. A framework explains what we are doing, how we expect to do it, and how we will know if we did what we said we would. It took a year to develop, but all of that time was needed in order to meet the goal of ending and preventing homelessness and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable housing and the resources to sustain it. Addressing the interrelated problems of housing instability and homelessness requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach, with a focus on changing systems and structures. While each individual area of impact and intervention can help chip away at the gaps, the real work must be done on the sum, rather than the parts. At the same time, it is essential that we understand each individual part so that we can know how to best position them to complement each other and function effectively as a system. Therefore, the purpose of this new blog series is to unpack each of the four impact areas in the Strategic Framework aimed at addressing a part of the housing problem: prevention, shelter, affordable housing and cross-sector supports. This week’s blog is focused on the area of prevention, including what it is, why it is important, what the recommendations in the Strategic Framework entail, and ultimately, what all of this could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [New CoC Governing Board Members](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/new-coc-governing-board-members-2/)
- [New CoC Governing Board Members](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/new-coc-governing-board-members/)
- [A Youth-Focused Point-in-Time Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/a-youth-focused-point-in-time-count/) - Each year, during the final Wednesday of January, Charlotte-Mecklenburg conducts an annual Point-in-Time Count. This action is intended to capture the number of people experiencing “literal homelessness” in the community. “Literal homelessness” is defined as residing overnight in an emergency shelter; safe haven; transitional housing facility; or in an unsheltered location unfit for human habitation. The 2022 Point-in-Time Count will spotlight the issue of youth homelessness. The Youth Advisory Board (YAB), which is supported by The Relatives and comprised of youth with lived experience of homelessness will conduct a youth-led initiative coined “Reach One, Teach One”. Reach One, Teach One aims to give a voice to youth experiencing homelessness – a population that is often hesitant to share their housing status and experiences homelessness in ways that differ from the traditional perception of sleeping on the street. This week’s blog shares insight from a representative of the YAB, Dajhun Mack, 22, and ultimately, what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: Inactive Policy Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/one-number-update-inactive-policy-update/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services first released the “One Number” in 2019 as part of the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Since that initial release, the One Number has become the “go-to” number for the count of people who are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is generated from a By-Name List within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). It captures the number of people enrolled in Emergency Shelter (ES); Transitional Housing (TH); Street Outreach (SO); Permanent Housing (PH) (if there is no move-in date to housing yet); and Coordinated Entry (CE) programs in HMIS. The One Number includes both total sheltered homelessness and a portion of the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition, the One Number can be broken down by both household composition and population type; elements include single individuals, families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. The Housing Data Snapshot highlights inflow to (Newly identified, Returns from Permanent Housing, Returns for Inactivity) and outflow from (Exit to Permanent Housing, Exit to Inactivity), homelessness. By comparing One Number data over time (including by household composition or by inflow/outflow), the community can identify trends. Once identified, these trends can then inform policy, programming, and funding decisions. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number policy and data updates; the latest analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The Longest Night of the Year](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-longest-night-of-the-year/) - Today, December 21, marks the first day of winter. At about 11am today, the Winter Solstice will occur with the Sun reaching its highest position in the sky. This means for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, tonight will be the longest night of the year. For the last thirty years, December 21 has also been recognized as the National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, when communities remember each of the individuals who have died while experiencing homelessness in the year that is drawing to a close. Remembering the issue of homelessness, and more specifically, where people experiencing homelessness will sleep on this long, dark night, provides a somber reminder about the sheer lack of affordable housing for everyone. Although the day itself will be darker than any other, the significance of today need not be consumed by the darkness. The term “solstice” is derived from the Latin words “sol,” which means “the sun,” and “sistere” which means “to make stand.” Literally, this is translated as “the sun stands still.” The winter solstice becomes a time to make use of the sun’s “standing energy,” taking stock of what has transpired and contemplating new beginnings. Winter solstice rituals and celebrations have been taking place for over 12,000 years. In fact, some cultures believed this day to be the sun’s literal “rebirth.” To commemorate this year’s winter solstice and the opportunity for new rays of hope to shine in 2022, this week’s blog post will spotlight three examples from other communities who are trying different approaches to address housing instability and homelessness; and ultimately, what this could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2022 Point-in-Time Count: #EVERYBODYCOUNTSCLT](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/2022-point-in-time-count-everybodycountsclt/) - Each year, during the final Wednesday of January, Charlotte-Mecklenburg conducts an annual Point-in-Time Count. This action is intended to capture the number of people experiencing “literal homelessness” in the community. “Literal homelessness” is defined as residing overnight in an emergency shelter; safe haven; transitional housing facility; or in an unsheltered location unfit for human habitation. The Point-in-Time (or PIT) Count and its complementary activities, such as the Housing Inventory Count (or HIC) are mandated by the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These are required annually of communities (like Charlotte-Mecklenburg) who receive federal funding to prevent and end homelessness. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg PIT & HIC numbers are submitted each year to HUD. This data is combined with the results from other communities across the United States and then reported in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR). The AHAR is submitted to the U.S. Congress to inform funding and policies to prevent and end homelessness. Communities can also use their PIT & HIC data to inform local funding and policy priorities. In response to COVID-19, communities have had to make adjustments in the conduct of the Point-in-Time Count. To help communities in their planning efforts, HUD has provided guidance to, and options for, communities to complete PIT counts safely and accurately. This blog post will provide an overview of the PIT and HIC, including updates for the 2022 PIT and HIC; ways that individuals can meaningfully support the work, even during a health crisis; and how the PIT and HIC can be used to support efforts to address housing instability and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: Disaggregated Data by Gender](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/one-number-update-disaggregated-data-by-gender/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services first released the “One Number” in 2019 as part of the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Since that initial release, the One Number has become the “go-to” for the count of people who are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is found on the Housing Data Snapshot, a hub for the latest information related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from a By-Name List within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number captures the number of people enrolled in Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Street Outreach; Permanent Housing (if there is no move-in date to housing yet); and Coordinated Entry projects in HMIS. The One Number includes both sheltered homelessness and a portion of the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition, the One Number can be broken down by both household composition and population type; elements include single individuals, families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. The One Number can also be analyzed by inflow to, and outflow from, homelessness. By comparing One Number data over time (including by household composition or by inflow/outflow), the community can identify trends. Once identified, these trends can then inform interventions. To read more about how the One Number works, click here. We are excited to share that, thanks to the work of the HMIS Team from Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, in addition to disaggregated data by race, ethnicity and age, we now have disaggregated data by gender, beginning with data from the month of September 2021. This week’s blog post provides an overview of the most recent One Number update, including the new disaggregated data by gender; latest trends and analyses; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Continuum Data Update: December 2021](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-continuum-data-update-october-2021/) - In August, the Building Bridges Blog launched a new, monthly data update. This effort, called the Housing & Homelessness Continuum Data Update, is intended to move the community from a focus on the One Number to a more comprehensive data set. This new update will attempt to cover the full housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness. Even with the progress made to enumerate homelessness using the One Number (which includes sheltered and a portion of unsheltered homelessness), there are still many households who experience housing instability and homelessness and who are not yet captured. It is critical to identify the households “in the gap” to both understand the need for services and to construct effective solutions to address these needs. This approach is also an important outcome of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS): identifying and closing the remaining gaps in data collection and reporting across the full housing continuum. To that end, this week’s blog will use the new data to provide an update on the current state from a demand-side viewpoint: the number and characteristics of people experiencing housing instability and homelessness. This blog will also highlight the data gaps that exist and the work underway to address those gaps.
- [Housing & Homelessness Continuum Data Update: September 2021](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-continuum-data-update-september-2021/) - In August, the Building Bridges Blog launched a new, monthly data update. This effort, called the Housing & Homelessness Continuum Data Update, is intended to move the community from a focus on the One Number to a more comprehensive data set. This new update will attempt to cover the full housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness. Even with the progress made to enumerate homelessness using the One Number (which includes sheltered and a portion of unsheltered homelessness), there are still many households who experience housing instability and homelessness and who are not yet captured. It is critical to identify the households “in the gap” to both understand the need for services and to construct effective solutions to address these needs. This approach is also an important outcome of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS): identifying and closing the remaining gaps in data collection and reporting across the full housing continuum. To that end, this week’s blog will use the new data to provide an update on the current state from a demand-side viewpoint: the number and characteristics of people experiencing housing instability and homelessness. This blog will also highlight the data gaps that exist and the work underway to address those gaps.
- [The 2021 SoHIH Report: Deep Dive, Part 3A: Exposing a (new?) form of homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-2021-sohih-report-deep-dive-part-3a-exposing-a-new-form-of-homelessness/) - In October, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2021 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) report. The report provides a single, dedicated compilation of all the latest local, regional, and national data on housing instability and homelessness pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The report is intended to be the “go-to” resource for all stakeholders working to address housing instability and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It is anchored by the three main components of the housing continuum: housing instability; homelessness; and permanent, affordable (or stable) housing. As the report is designed to make information easily accessible, there are also complementary materials available; these will help connect the data with stakeholders. These resources include the Key Findings Handouts, Report Toolkit, and Housing Data Factsheet. The blog post from October 14 shared three key themes from the 2021 SoHIH report; and blog posts from October 21 and November 4 unpacked the first and second themes. This blog post will take a deeper dive into part of the third theme, regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed housing problems that were hidden prior to the pandemic; and ultimately, what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The 2021 SoHIH Report: Deep Dive, Part 2: Disproportionate Impact on Minority & Low-Income Households](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-2021-sohih-report-deep-dive-part-2-disproportionate-impact-on-minority-low-income-households/) - In October, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2021 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) report. The report provides a single, dedicated compilation of all the latest local, regional, and national data on housing instability and homelessness pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The report is intended to be the “go-to” resource for all stakeholders working to address housing instability and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It is anchored by the three main components of the housing continuum: housing instability; homelessness; and permanent, affordable (or stable) housing. As the report is designed to make information easily accessible, there are also helpful complementary materials available; these will help connect the data with stakeholders. These resources include the Key Findings Handouts, Report Toolkit, and Housing Data Factsheet. The blog post from October 14 shared three key themes from the 2021 SoHIH report and the blog post from October 21 unpacked the first them around the need for more permanent, affordable housing. This blog post will take a deeper dive into the second theme regarding how COVID-19 has exacerbated the pre-existing problems of homelessness and housing instability, disproportionately impacting minority and low-income households; and ultimately, what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy: Community Progress Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/charlotte-mecklenburg-housing-homelessness-strategy-community-progress-update/) - Together, we serve as co-chairs for the working group that launched the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS) in April 2021. This post provides the latest progress update and next steps regarding CMHHS, a community effort to develop a comprehensive and transformative multi-year strategy seeking to end and prevent homelessness and to ensure that everyone has access to permanent, affordable housing and the resources necessary to sustain it.
- [The 2021 SoHIH Report: Deep Dive, Part 1 Access to and availability of permanent, affordable housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-2021-sohih-report-deep-dive-part-1-access-to-and-availability-of-permanent-affordable-housing/) - Last week, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2021 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) report. The report provides a single, dedicated compilation of all the latest local, regional, and national data on housing instability and homelessness pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The report is intended to be the “go-to” resource for all stakeholders working to address housing instability and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It is anchored by the three main components of the housing continuum: housing instability; homelessness; and permanent, affordable (or stable) housing. As the report is designed to make information easily accessible, there are also helpful complementary materials available; these will help connect the data with stakeholders. These resources include the Key Findings Handouts, Report Toolkit, and Housing Data Factsheet. Last week’s blog shared three key themes from the 2021 SoHIH report. This blog post will take a deeper dive into the theme regarding the growing need for more permanent, affordable housing and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2021 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Released Today](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/2021-state-of-housing-instability-homelessness-report-released-today/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services releases today (October 14, 2021) the 2021 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) Report. The SoHIH report is part of the annual Housing Instability & Homelessness Report series which is funded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and produced by UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. The 2021 SoHIH provides a single, dedicated compilation of all the latest data on housing instability and homelessness pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This resource can be used by any and all stakeholders working to address housing instability and homelessness. The annual report combines local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum (from housing instability to homelessness), and stable (permanent, affordable) housing. The report features data from the 2021 Point-in-Time Count; housing inventory and rental gaps; Housing Trust Fund; and system performance metrics. This blog post outlines the key findings from the 2021 SoHIH and what it could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The Upcoming Release of the 2021 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report: What’s New in this Year’s Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-upcoming-release-of-the-2021-state-of-housing-instability-homelessness-report-whats-new-in-this-years-report/) - On Thursday, October 14, 2021 Mecklenburg County Community Support Services will release the 2021 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) Report. The SoHIH report is part of the annual Housing Instability & Homelessness Report series which is funded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and produced by UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. The SoHIH report is an annual report that provides a single, “go-to” document for all housing and homelessness-related data and information pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The report combines local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum, including housing instability, homelessness, and stable (permanent, affordable) housing. The report also features data from the 2021 Point-in-Time Count; housing inventory and rental gaps information; Housing Trust Fund; and system performance metrics. This blog post describes what is covered in the 2021 SoHIH report, including what’s new, and what it could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Myths Busted: Housing & Homelessness are linked](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-housing-homelessness-are-linked/) - In June, the Building Bridges blog launched a new series devoted to unpacking some of the most misunderstood housing and homelessness terms and concepts. Earlier posts in the series covered the topics of “Housing First;” Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (or NOAH); the role of supportive services in the work to end and prevent homelessness; and most recently, a series on the common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing, including a post on deeply affordable housing. These posts are inspired by the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which was launched in April 2021 to stakeholders and the community connect, invest and advance the work of CMHHS. The 2025 CMHHS represents the first time that the public and private sectors have come together to comprehensively address the entire housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Advancing widescale solutions – even the ones backed by research and data – also means overcoming obstacles that have historically gotten in the way. Some obstacles take the shape of myths or misconceptions. This week’s post, which will close out this iteration of the myth-busting series, focuses on the link between homelessness and housing; how (and why) the two tend to be decoupled; and ultimately, what all of this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Myths Busted: Homelessness means....what?](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-homelessness-means-what/) - Last month, the Building Bridges blog launched a new series devoted to unpacking some of the most misunderstood housing and homelessness terms and concepts. Earlier posts in the series covered the topics of “Housing First;” Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (or NOAH); the role of supportive services in the work to end and prevent homelessness; and most recently, a series on the common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing. These posts are inspired by the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which was launched in April 2021. The 2025 CMHHS represents the first time that the public and private sectors have come together to comprehensively address the entire housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Advancing widescale solutions – even the ones backed by research and data – also means overcoming obstacles that have historically gotten in the way. Some obstacles take the shape of myths or misconceptions. This week’s post focuses specifically on homelessness, including the latest numbers and common misconceptions; and ultimately, what all of this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Myths Busted: Deeply Affordable Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-deeply-affordable-housing/) - Last month, the Building Bridges blog launched a new series devoted to unpacking some of the most misunderstood housing and homelessness terms and concepts. Earlier posts in the series covered the topics of “Housing First;” Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (or NOAH); the role of supportive services in the work to end and prevent homelessness; and most recently, common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing. These posts are inspired by the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which was launched in April 2021. The 2025 CMHHS represents the first time that the public and private sectors have come together to comprehensively address the entire housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Advancing widescale solutions – even the ones backed by research and data – also means overcoming obstacles that have historically gotten in the way. Some obstacles take the shape of myths or misconceptions. This week’s post focuses on both the need for and lack of deeply affordable housing for extremely low-income households and ultimately, its role in ending and preventing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Myths Busted: “Affordable Housing” Means...What? Part V](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-affordable-housing-means-what-part-v/) - In June, the Building Bridges blog launched a new series devoted to unpacking some of the most commonly misunderstood housing and homelessness terms and concepts. Earlier posts in the series covered the topics of “Housing First;” Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (or NOAH); the role of supportive services in the work to end and prevent homelessness; and most recently, common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing. These posts are inspired by the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which was launched in April 2021. The 2025 CMHHS represents the first time that the public and private sectors have come together to comprehensively address the entire housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Advancing widescale solutions – even the ones backed by research and data – also means overcoming obstacles that have historically gotten in the way. Some obstacles take the shape of myths or misconceptions. This week’s post focuses on the last of five common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing, and ultimately, what correcting these misunderstandings can mean for the work to end and prevent homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [New Housing & Homelessness Continuum Monthly Data Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-housing-homelessness-continuum-monthly-data-update/) - What is the definition of homelessness? Who is included? Who is not? Who gets to decide? What about housing instability? Do we have the full picture? Does that even matter? What are the implications of exclusive definitions? The July 2021 One Number Update shared the news regarding the Building Bridges blog transition from a singular focus on the One Number to a new, more comprehensive data update. This new approach will attempt to cover the full housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness. Even with the progress made to enumerate homelessness using the One Number (which includes sheltered and a portion of unsheltered homelessness), there are still many households who experience housing instability and homelessness that are not captured. It is critical to identify the households “in the gap” to understand both the need for services and to construct effective solutions to address these needs. An important outcome of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy is to identify and close the remaining gaps in data collection and reporting across the full housing continuum. This week’s blog will frame the current state of data from a demand-side viewpoint: the number and characteristics of people experiencing housing instability and homelessness as well as from the supply-side lens: the capacity of the system to both temporarily shelter and permanently house individuals and families in the community.
- [FY2021 NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/fy2021-notice-of-funding-opportunity-nofo/) - The HUD CoC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2021 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Competition was released August 18th, by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), making $2.6 billion in competitive funding available to homeless services organizations across the country for supportive services and housing programs for people experiencing homelessness. Each of the 400+ Continuums of Care across the nation will submit one application for funding to meet community need. Consolidated applications are due Tuesday, November 16, 2021. Click here to read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and for more information from the HUD website.
- [Progress Update: 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/frontpage-article/progress-update-2025-charlotte-mecklenburg-housing-homelessness-strategy-2/) - In April, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS) was launched. CMHHS is a comprehensive community-wide effort involving the public, private and non-profit sectors to develop a strategic plan to end and prevent homelessness in our community. As co-chairs for the working group launching the new strategy, we are pleased to share that participation in this important community-driven planning process continues to grow. There are over 250 individuals and more than 115 organizations, including providers who serve on the front lines, and individuals that have lived experience with housing instability or homelessness. Participants also include representatives from the county, city, and school system; corporate and business sectors; healthcare, workforce development, childcare, transportation and other complementary sectors; non-profits; funding and faith communities; grassroots organizations; and housing developers, landlords and real estate entities. In October 2021, we will share the results of this work: a multi-year, strategic plan to help Charlotte-Mecklenburg become a national leader in addressing current and preventing future homelessness by offering aligned strategies, unified goals, and clear funding pathways. Our shared vision is that homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring in Charlotte-Mecklenburg – where every person has access to permanent, affordable housing as well as the resources to sustain it. This update provides information about the latest milestones achieved, next steps – including opportunities for continued engagement in the weeks ahead – and the impact on our community.
- [Housing & Homelessness Myths Busted: “Affordable Housing” Means….What? Part IV](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-affordable-housing-means-what-part-iv/) - Last month, the Building Bridges blog launched a new series devoted to unpacking some of the most commonly misunderstood housing and homelessness terms and concepts. Earlier posts in the series covered the topics of “Housing First;” Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (or NOAH); the role of supportive services in the work to end and prevent homelessness; and most recently, common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing. These posts are inspired by the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which was launched in April 2021. The 2025 CMHHS represents the first time that the public and private sectors have come together to comprehensively address the entire housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Advancing widescale solutions – even the ones backed by research and data – also means overcoming obstacles that have historically gotten in the way. Some obstacles take the shape of myths or misconceptions. This week’s post focuses on the fourth of five common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing, and ultimately, what correcting these misunderstandings can mean for the work to end and prevent homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy: A Joint Effort to Address Current and Prevent Future Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/2025-charlotte-mecklenburg-housing-homelessness-strategy-a-joint-effort-to-address-current-and-prevent-future-homelessness/) - Today a broad consortium of the public, private and non-profit sectors is pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive community-wide effort to create a strategic plan around housing instability and homelessness in our community: 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy. As co-chairs for the working group which is launching the new strategy, we are pleased to share that nearly 50 city, county, corporate and non-profit leaders, including those who serve on the front lines of housing instability and homelessness and those with lived experience are all part of this comprehensive community undertaking. And, the effort will continue to grow with more leaders continuing to be added to this team. By October 2021, this group will have developed and begun to launch a five-year strategic plan to help Charlotte-Mecklenburg become a national leader in addressing current and preventing future homelessness by offering aligned strategies, unified goals, and clear funding pathways. Our shared vision is that homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring in Charlotte-Mecklenburg where every person has access to permanent, affordable housing and the resources to sustain it. This plan will be presented to both City and County for consideration as adopted policy. The same entities, doing the same things, in the same ways, will never produce different results. It is critical that we, as a community, change our approach. The purpose of this community update is to share a more in-depth introduction to this effort, including goals and initial milestones, and what this work can mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and beyond.
- [Housing & Homelessness Myths Busted: “Affordable Housing” Means....What? Part III](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-affordable-housing-means-what-part-iii/) - Last month, the Building Bridges blog launched a new series devoted to unpacking some of the most commonly misunderstood housing and homelessness terms and concepts. Earlier posts in the series covered the topics of “Housing First;” Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (or NOAH); the role of supportive services in the work to end and prevent homelessness; and most recently, common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing. These posts are inspired by the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which was launched in April 2021. The 2025 CMHHS represents the first time that the public and private sectors have come together to comprehensively address the entire housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Four of the workstreams, which are devoted to the main impact areas of the strategic plan (prevention; temporary housing; permanent, affordable housing; and cross-sector supports), will be sharing information through the next round of virtual focus groups on August 12. Five additional workstreams focused on “how” the work will be accomplished (Unified Policy Advocacy; Coordinated Funding Alignment; Innovative Data Analytics; Effective Communications; and Ongoing Strategy Support) will host a virtual focus group on August 19. Anyone is welcome to sign up via the links provided at the bottom of the blog. Advancing widescale solutions – even the ones backed by research and data – also means overcoming obstacles that have historically gotten in the way. Some obstacles take the shape of myths or misconceptions. This week’s post focuses on the third of five common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing, and ultimately, what correcting these misunderstandings can mean for the work to end and prevent homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: July 2021](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/one-number-update-july-2021/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services first released the “One Number” in 2019 as part of the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Since that initial release, the One Number has become the “go-to” for the count of people who are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number can be found on the Housing Data Snapshot, a hub for the latest information related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from a By-Name List within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number captures the number of people enrolled in Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Street Outreach; Permanent Housing (those enrolled but not yet housed); and Coordinated Entry projects in HMIS. The One Number includes both sheltered homelessness and a portion of the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition, the One Number can be broken down by both household composition and population type; elements include single individuals, families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. The One Number can also be analyzed by inflow to, and outflow from, homelessness. By comparing One Number data over time (including by household composition, population or by inflow/outflow), the community can identify trends. Once identified, these trends can then inform interventions. Before the One Number was available, the best approximation for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg was the annual Point-in-Time Count. The Point-In-Time Count is exactly that: a limited, one-night snapshot of a point in time designated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The One Number, then, represented a significant step toward a more comprehensive, timely enumeration of all the people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. However, there are still many households who experience housing instability and/or homelessness that are not captured as part of the One Number. It is critical to identify the households “in the gap” to understand both the need for services and to construct effective solutions to address these needs. An important outcome of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS) is to identify and close the remaining gaps in data collection and reporting across the full housing continuum. To that end, we are excited to share that, in August 2021 as part of the work to paint a full picture of housing instability and homelessness, we will be releasing a new data update that will attempt to comprehensively cover the full housing continuum. This improvement in gathering and reporting data will include existing features on the Housing Data Snapshot, like the One Number and Coordinated Entry, and will also seek to identify where applicable gaps exist. This update will be shared for the first time next month. This week’s blog post provides the latest One Number update, including latest trends and analyses; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: June 2021](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/one-number-update-june-2021/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services first released the “One Number” in 2019 as part of the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Since that initial release, the One Number has become the “go-to” for the count of people who are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is found on the Housing Data Snapshot, a hub for the latest information related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from a By-Name List within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number captures the number of people enrolled in Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Street Outreach; Rapid Re-housing (those enrolled but not yet housed); and Coordinated Entry inventories in HMIS. The One Number includes both total sheltered homelessness and a portion of the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition, the One Number can be broken down by both household composition and population type; elements include single individuals, families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. The One Number can also be analyzed by inflow to, and outflow from, homelessness. By comparing One Number data over time (including by household composition or by inflow/outflow), the community can identify trends. Once identified, these trends can then inform interventions. To read more about how the One Number works, click here. We are excited to share that in addition to disaggregated data by race and ethnicity, we now have disaggregated data by age, beginning with data from the month of May 2021. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update, including the new disaggregated data by age; latest trends and analyses; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Myths Busted: “Affordable Housing” Means....What? Part II](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-affordable-housing-means-what-part-ii/) - Last month, the Building Bridges blog launched a new series devoted to unpacking some of the most commonly misunderstood housing and homelessness terms and concepts. Earlier posts in the series covered the topics of “Housing First;” Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (or NOAH); and the role of supportive services in the work to end and prevent homelessness. Last week’s post focused on the first of five common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing: “Does affordable housing mean loss of neighborhood character?” These posts are inspired by the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which was launched in April 2021. The 2025 CMHHS represents the first time that the public and private sectors have come together to comprehensively address the entire housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Advancing widescale solutions – even the ones backed by research and data – also means overcoming obstacles that have historically gotten in the way. Some obstacles take the shape of myths or misconceptions. This week’s post focuses on the second of five common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing, and ultimately, what correcting these misunderstandings can mean for the work to end and prevent homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Myths Busted: “Affordable Housing” Means….What? Part I](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-affordable-housing-means-what-part-i/) - Last month, the Building Bridges blog launched a new series devoted to unpacking some of the most commonly misunderstood housing and homelessness terms and concepts. The first post in the series was dedicated to exploring and exploding some misperceptions around “Housing First;” the second post unpacked Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (or NOAH); last week’s post covered the role of supportive services in the work to end and prevent homelessness. These posts are inspired by the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which was launched in April 2021. The 2025 CMHHS represents the first time that the public and private sectors have come together to comprehensively address the entire housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. As the last post in this series highlighted, advancing widescale solutions – even the ones backed by research and data – also means overcoming obstacles that have historically gotten in the way. Some obstacles take the shape of myths or misconceptions. This week’s post focuses on the first of five common myths and misperceptions about affordable housing, and ultimately, what correcting these misunderstandings can mean for the work to end and prevent homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Myths Busted: Supportive Services](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-supportive-services/)
- [One Number Update: May 2021](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/one-number-update-may-2021/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services first released the “One Number” in 2019 as part of the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Since that initial release, the One Number has become the “go-to” for the count of people who are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is found on the Housing Data Snapshot, a hub for the latest information related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from a By-Name List within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number captures the number of people enrolled in Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Street Outreach; Rapid Re-housing (those enrolled but not yet housed); and Coordinated Entry inventories in HMIS. The One Number includes both total sheltered homelessness and a portion of the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition, the One Number can be broken down by both household composition and population type; elements include single individuals, families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. The One Number can also be analyzed by inflow to, and outflow from, homelessness. By comparing One Number data over time (including by household composition or by inflow/outflow), the community can identify trends. Once identified, these trends can then inform interventions. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; latest trends and analyses; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing & Homelessness Myths Busted: Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-naturally-occurring-affordable-housing/) - Last week, the Building Bridges blog post launched a new series devoted to unpacking some of the commonly misunderstood housing and homelessness terms and concepts. The first post in the series was dedicated to exploring and exploding some misperceptions around “Housing First.” These posts are inspired by the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which was launched in April 2021; and represents the first time that the public and private sectors have come together to comprehensively address the entire housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. As last week’s post highlighted, advancing widescale solutions – even the ones backed by research and data – also means overcoming obstacles that have historically gotten in the way. Some obstacles take the shape of myths and misconceptions. This second post focuses on Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) including what it means; where it is and how it evolved; evidence supporting the approach; and ultimately, what this kind of approach can mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Progress Update: 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/progress-update-2025-charlotte-mecklenburg-housing-homelessness-strategy/) - In April, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS) was launched. CMHHS is a comprehensive community-wide effort involving the public, private and non-profit sectors to develop a strategic plan to end and prevent homelessness in our community. As co-chairs for the working group launching the new strategy, we are pleased to share participation has grown to include over 200 individuals and over 115 organizations. Participants include those from the county, city, and school system; corporate and business sectors; healthcare, workforce development, childcare, transportation and other complementary sectors; non-profits; funding and faith communities; and housing developers, landlords and real estate entities. It was also important to us that we include providers who serve on the front lines, and individuals with lived experience with housing instability or homelessness. And, we continue to grow. By October 2021, this group will have established a five-year strategic plan to help Charlotte-Mecklenburg become a national leader in addressing current and preventing future homelessness by offering aligned strategies, unified goals, and clear funding pathways. Our shared vision is that homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring in Charlotte-Mecklenburg where every person has access to permanent, affordable housing as well as the resources to sustain it. The purpose of this update is to share information about the milestones we have achieved since our launch and next steps, in addition to what this means for the people in our community.
- [HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS MYTHS BUSTED: HOUSING FIRST](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-homelessness-myths-busted-housing-first/) - Launched in April 2021, the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS) represents the first time that the public and private sectors have come together to comprehensively address the entire housing continuum, from housing instability to homelessness, in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. By October 2021, CMHHS will produce a comprehensive, multi-year plan that considers solutions for all aspects of the spectrum of housing needs, from prevention, to shelter, to housing; and cross-sector supports. To engender systems-focused change requires commitment and alignment on all levels, combined with patience and persistence; maintaining a focus on what works and what is supported by research and data. The May 13 Building Bridges blog post outlines the essential resources (local, regional and national) to help the community understand both the challenges and solutions related to housing instability and homelessness. Advancing widescale solutions – even the ones backed by research and data – also means overcoming obstacles that have historically gotten in the way. Some obstacles take the shape of myths and misconceptions. This week’s blog post is the first in a new CMHHS series devoted to unpacking some of the commonly misunderstood housing and homelessness terms and concepts. This first post focuses on “housing first,” including what it means; how it evolved; associated misconceptions; evidence supporting the approach; and ultimately, what this kind of approach means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [What’s in a Good Plan? On Ending and Preventing Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/whats-in-a-good-plan-on-ending-and-preventing-homelessness-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Over the last two weeks, the Building Bridges blog has focused on the recent shift in attention, energy, and investment in expanding affordable housing solutions, especially in response to COVID-19. These efforts include the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), launched in April to address the full housing continuum – from homelessness to households experiencing housing instability. Last week’s blog post discussed the role of benchmarking local progress with that of peer communities as solutions are developed and/or outcomes are evaluated; and describes how Charlotte-Mecklenburg compares with five peer communities on key housing and homelessness metrics. The post just prior focused on the essential documents to read to fully understand, and therefore address, the entire “housing and homelessness iceberg.” Strategic housing plans are not new. In 2006, Charlotte-Mecklenburg launched “More than Shelter: a 10-year implementation plan to end and prevent homelessness.” The “ten-year plan” model was also adopted by other communities across the United States. Having not met the goal at the end of ten years, many communities have released revisions and/or new iterations, often with shorter time frames. Some communities have no advertised plan. In response to recent funding associated with COVID-19, however, even communities without plans have been forced to think about how best to appropriate this historic infusion of housing dollars from a system-level view. By October 1, 2021, the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy plans to develop and launch a new, multi-year, comprehensive plan to end and prevent homelessness in the community. This week’s blog post is focused on the elements that make a “good” housing strategic plan; highlights examples from other communities; and discusses what this could ultimately mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [On Progress: How Does Charlotte-Mecklenburg Compare?](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/on-progress-how-does-charlotte-mecklenburg-compare/) - Last week’s blog post highlighted the recent shift in attention, energy, and investment in expanding affordable housing solutions, especially in response to COVID-19. In addition, the blog spotlighted the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy (CMHHS), which represents the first time that the public and private sector have come together to address the full housing continuum – from homelessness to households experiencing housing instability. This kind of approach is critical to produce solutions that are both comprehensive and sustainable, resulting in real progress. Charlotte-Mecklenburg is not the only community facing challenges related to housing instability and homelessness. There are multiple communities working to address these challenges. Benchmarking local progress (or lack thereof) with that of other peer communities can be helpful as solutions are developed and/or outcomes are evaluated. This week’s blog post describes how Charlotte-Mecklenburg compares with five peer communities on key housing and homelessness metrics; and what this may ultimately mean for the community.
- [The List: On Addressing the Housing & Homelessness Iceberg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-list-on-addressing-the-housing-homelessness-iceberg/)
- [From Planning to Implementation: A New Prevention Assistance System in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/from-planning-to-implementation-a-new-prevention-assistance-system-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Last week saw the conclusion of Evaluate Upstream, a year-long, community planning process. Evaluate Upstream intended to develop a comprehensive and sustainable prevention assistance system for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Funded by a Continuum of Care (CoC) planning grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and launched by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, Evaluate Upstream had the following goals: to document existing prevention resources across Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and determine whether and how they work together; to design an optimally functioning prevention network; and to develop an evaluation framework for an impactful homelessness prevention system in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. “Prevention” is defined as a category of assistance that targets households “upstream” from homelessness; these individuals and families are facing housing instability but have not yet lost their housing. Applying this definition, prevention assistance exists on a continuum; assistance can be administered not only prior to the loss of housing, but even after households exit into permanent housing with the goal of helping them sustain it. Prevention includes three tiers of assistance: community-wide interventions aimed at changing systems and structures that perpetuate housing instability; cross-sector collaboration and coordination to reduce the prevalence of homelessness; and targeted interventions including financial and legal assistance to help households maintain their housing. The purpose of this blog post is to share the process and output of Evaluate Upstream, including the crafting of a blueprint for a prevention assistance system. This blog will also discuss how this work will shift from planning to implementation; and ultimately, what this can mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: April 2021](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/one-number-update-april-2021/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services first released the “One Number” in 2019 as part of the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Since that initial release, the One Number has become the “go-to” for the count of people who are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is found on the Housing Data Snapshot, a hub for the latest information related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from a By-Name List within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number captures the number of people enrolled in Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Street Outreach; Rapid Re-housing (if there is no move-in date to housing yet); and Coordinated Entry inventories in HMIS. The One Number includes both total sheltered homelessness and a portion of the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition, the One Number can be broken down by both household composition and population type; elements include single individuals, families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. The One Number can also be analyzed by inflow to, and outflow from, homelessness. By comparing One Number data over time (including by household composition or by inflow/outflow), the community can identify trends. Once identified, these trends can then inform interventions. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; latest trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [New CoC Governing Board Member](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/new-coc-governing-board-member/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) announces Deanna McCool as its newest Governing Board member. Deanna represents the Street Outreach/Homelessness Prevention/Diversion provider elected seat on the Board.
- [Long-Term Interventions Part 2: Funding Flexibility & Sustainability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/long-term-interventions-funding-flexibility-sustainability/) - Last week, the Building Bridges blog launched a new series, reflecting upon each of the six potential short-term interventions enacted in response to COVID-19 that could become long-term “business as usual” practices. During the past year, there has been an infusion of public and private housing-related assistance to address the impacts of COVID-19 and help keep people housed. Most recently, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP) appropriates approximately $50B in housing-related assistance for lower-income households facing housing instability or currently experiencing homelessness; these funds will also indirectly help struggling landlords and property owners. While the COVID-19 relief packages can help address issues caused by the pandemic, they do not resolve the pre-existing conditions of housing instability and homelessness that predated it. Housing instability and homelessness is already trending in the wrong direction and are only likely to worsen as a result of COVID-19. Ending and preventing homelessness is arduous work even in a booming economic cycle, and without the added system stressor of a pandemic. How funding is allocated matters, whether new or pre-existing. How can communities leverage existing resources and ensure new funding goes as far as possible? What new ways can funding be paired or deployed to address structural issues that predate the pandemic? What new funding mechanisms can transition into long-term change catalysts? How can new and existing public and private funding align to maximize impact and drive systemic solutions? This week’s blog post is dedicated to issues of flexibility and sustainability of funding to address housing instability and homelessness in response to COVID-19; and what this could ultimately mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [What’s New? A Look Back at “Not-so-short Term” COVID-19 Interventions Part 1: Eviction Prevention](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/whats-new-a-look-back-at-not-so-short-term-covid-19-interventions-part-1-eviction-prevention/) - In response to COVID-19, and throughout the pandemic year, everyone has had to make changes. Routines. Work. School. Childcare. Travel. Time. Businesses have been forced to adapt just to stay afloat. Governments have modified policies and sought to fill in gaps to keep people safe and healthy. Change has been truly the only constant. Importantly, some changes have been good. When looking back, what changes, whether at the individual or organizational level, are worth keeping: How we think about how we spend our time and resources? How we think about and use our space at home and work? How our routines have improved work-life balance? How business practices have empowered employees to be more productive through increased flexibility and enhanced support? How we have increased investment in the lowest income households, who need it most? How we have shifted to non-congregate shelter environments? How COVID has reframed the concept of housing as healthcare? One year ago, the Building Bridges blog launched a series on short-term housing and homelessness interventions enacted in response to COVID-19 that could become long-term “business as usual” practices. One year later, this new blog series will reflect on each of the six potential short-term-to-long-term interventions; provide an update with examples from other communities; and share what this could ultimately mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [New Housing & Homelessness Data](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-housing-homelessness-data/)
- [Notice: HUD changing how it communicates information](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/notice-hud-changing-how-it-communicates-information/) - On Wednesday March 31, 2021, HUD issued the following notice to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg CoC: Effective immediately, HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) will use two different listservs on HUD’s website to communicate information regarding information developed by HUD/SNAPS concerning: Continuum of Care (CoC) Program; Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Programs; Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP); Other Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) developed by SNAPS; and Any other information related to SNAPS programs and the work to end homelessness.
- [One Number Update: March 2021](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/one-number-update-march-2021/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services first released the “One Number” in 2019 as part of the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Since that initial release, the One Number has become the “go-to” number for the count of people who are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is found on the Housing Data Snapshot, a hub for the latest information related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from a By-Name List within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number captures the number of people enrolled in Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Street Outreach; Rapid Re-housing (if there is no move-in date to housing yet); and Coordinated Entry inventories in HMIS. The One Number includes both total sheltered homelessness and a portion of the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition, the One Number can be broken down by both household composition and population type; elements include single individuals, families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. The One Number can also be analyzed by inflow to, and outflow from, homelessness. By comparing One Number data over time (including by household composition or by inflow/outflow), the community can identify trends. Once identified, these trends can then inform interventions. To read more about how the One Number works, click here. This week’s blog post provides the most recent One Number update; latest trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The American Rescue Plan: What’s in it for Housing?](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-american-rescue-plan-whats-in-it-for-housing/) - On March 11, 2021, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. This legislation appropriates approximately $50B in housing-related assistance for lower-income households facing housing instability or currently experiencing homelessness. As rental and utility arrears continue to grow, the ARP offers much needed financial relief to struggling tenants and landlords. And, as communities observe increases in both calls for assistance and households falling into homelessness, the ARP provides ways to address the immediate needs of lower-income households. This support will also help the homeless and housing services system to stabilize. Finally, the funding priorities and eligible uses in the ARP provide insight into the types of strategies and solutions that will continue to be advanced; if maximized, these can outline pathways to long-term economic recovery. This week’s blog post provides a high-level overview of the housing-related assistance in the ARP, and what it can mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Closing the Gap: Why the Type of Solution Matters](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/closing-the-gap-why-the-type-of-solution-matters/) - For businesses, scalability matters. Scalability means that there is an ability to respond to growth in opportunity and increases in demand. Scalability enables businesses to be competitive, efficient, and meet the needs of customers, despite environmental changes. Scalability can be the difference between a business that remains small, or even fails; and which businesses take off, and sustain success. Scalability should not just be a metric reserved for private industry. Scalability directly applies to solving complex social problems, like housing instability and homelessness. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, there is a 23,060-unit gap for housing units which are affordable to extremely low-income households. That housing gap should be considered the floor, because it is growing. Such a gulf requires solutions that can effectively bridge this ever-changing problem. These solutions must be scalable. In response to COVID-19, communities have been willing to try new approaches to address housing instability and homelessness. Some of these approaches, such as constructing temporary “tiny houses” to address unsheltered homelessness, are stopgap measures which can help protect individual and public health. Once circumstances improve, interventions that keep households “temporarily housed” or housed in inadequate conditions should be removed and replaced with permanent housing solutions. Sometimes, approaches may have been intended as temporary, but could become permanent “business as usual” solutions, based on scalability. Rehabilitating vacant buildings, like hotels, with the potential for higher intensity use and transforming them to permanent housing is one scalable solution. Given the fact that there are limited resources (including real estate) to address a growing problem that both pre-dates the pandemic and has worsened because of it, it is essential that communities focus on and invest in housing solutions that are scalable. This week’s blog post examines four factors for communities to consider, with specific examples, when determining which scalable housing solutions to advance and/or prioritize, and what this could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Eviction Prevention during COVID-19: An Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/eviction-prevention-during-covid-19-an-update/) - After the North Carolina Stay at Home Order was issued nearly one year ago, the NC 2-1-1 system was flooded with calls by households seeking housing and financial assistance. 2-1-1 is the number that those facing a housing crisis in the state call to be connected to resources. In addition to an overall increase in callers, there also seemed to be a “new” at-risk population emerging from the shadows: individuals and families who had been paying either day to day or week to week to live in hotels or motels. While this form of homelessness pre-dates the pandemic, it has been considered “hidden” and there are little to no federal, state and/or local resources dedicated to addressing it. Faced with a sudden loss of income from COVID-19-related closures, these households were now on the edge of an entirely different type of homelessness: emergency shelter and/or unsheltered locations like parks, streets, cars and tents. In addition, as the novel coronavirus started to spread locally, the tidal wave of households newly in need of shelter also posed a potential public health crisis. This week’s blog provides an overview of the work to address this segment of the homeless population during the pandemic, and what this work can mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number Update: February 2021](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/one-number-update-february-2021/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services first released the “One Number” in 2019 as part of the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Since that initial release, the One Number has become the “go-to” number for how many people are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is found on the Housing Data Snapshot, a hub for the latest information related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from a By-Name List within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number captures the number of people enrolled in Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Street Outreach, Rapid Re-housing (if there is no move-in date to housing yet), and Coordinated Entry inventories in HMIS. The One Number includes both sheltered homelessness and a portion of the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition, the One Number can be broken down by both household composition and population type; elements include single individuals, families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. The One Number can also be analyzed by inflow to, and outflow from, homelessness. By comparing One Number data over time (including by household composition and by inflow/outflow), the community can identify trends. Once identified, these trends can then inform interventions. To read more about how the One Number works, click here. This week’s blog post provides the latest One Number update; trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [New Homeless Data on Race & Ethnicity Released Today](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-homeless-data-on-race-ethnicity-released-today/) - In June 2019, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) released the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Racial Equity Analysis tool. The Racial Equity Analysis (REA) tool was a critical first step in calling attention to disproportionality in the housing instability and homelessness continuum. The REA tool describes the scope of racial disparities within our housing and homelessness system by analyzing and visualizing the racial and ethnic distributions of local homelessness and poverty rates in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In March 2020, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the CoC Analysis Tool: Race and Ethnicity. Utilizing Point-in-Time Count and American Community Survey data, the HUD tool showed the percentage of individuals in each Continuum of Care (CoC) who are living in poverty and/or experiencing sheltered or unsheltered homelessness by race and ethnicity. The REA and CoC Analysis tools laid the foundation for the development of additional local data tools that will support monitoring of Housing Data Snapshot data, disaggregated by race and ethnicity, in order to address the structural and systemic inequities across the entire housing continuum. The Housing Data Snapshot incorporates the “One Number,” which tallies the total number of persons who are experiencing homelessness and have an open Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) project entry in Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Coordinated Entry, Street Outreach, and/or Rapid Rehousing (if there is no move-in date to housing) programs. The Housing Data Snapshot also provides a breakdown of inflow to the local homelessness system (newly identified individuals, persons returning to homelessness from permanent housing, persons returning to homelessness from an inactive status); outflow from the homelessness system (exits to permanent housing, exits to inactive status); and average length of time to housing. This week’s blog post is dedicated to the newly released One Number with data broken down by race and ethnicity.
- [Federal COVID-19 Housing Relief Assistance](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/federal-covid-19-housing-relief-assistance/)
- [Prevention Assistance in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/prevention-assistance-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Planning and investment efforts related to homelessness have, for well over a decade, primarily focused on the downstream components of the homeless services system. These components seek to reduce homelessness by increasing access to and availability of, permanent housing (including subsidized and non-subsidized). This is true of communities across the United States, and of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, data in Charlotte-Mecklenburg indicated that almost 30,000 households face a formal eviction each year. More than 78,000 renter households experienced housing cost burden, which means they are spending more than 30% of their income on housing-related costs. These numbers have increased, and will likely worsen, as a result of the long-term economic fallout from the response to COVID-19. In reacting to the pandemic, communities have started to develop strategic housing and homelessness plans that integrate public health promotion with economic recovery. Homelessness prevention is the real key to both protecting the community and ensuring long-term housing stability. In fact, federal COVID-19 assistance has targeted prevention activities to ensure that households can stay safely in their homes during the pandemic. While prevention assistance may have been missing from prior community housing strategies and previous multi-year plans, it has now emerged as an incredibly critical component. Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s focus on prevention assistance (as a system) started long before the COVID-19 pandemic. This focus has only sharpened since the pandemic began impacting households in our community. This week’s blog illustrates the genesis and evolution of a prevention assistance system in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and what this early work means for the community.
- [One Number Update: Current State of Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/one-number-update-current-state-of-homelessness-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services first released the “One Number” in 2019 as part of the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Since its initial release, the One Number has become the “go-to” number for how many people are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The One Number is found on the Housing Data Snapshot, a hub for the latest information related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from a By-Name List within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number captures the number of people enrolled in Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Street Outreach, Rapid Re-housing (if there is no move-in date to housing yet) and Coordinated Entry project inventories in HMIS. The One Number includes both sheltered homelessness and a portion of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition, the One Number can be broken down by both household composition and population type; elements include single individuals, families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. The One Number can also be analyzed by inflow to, and outflow from, homelessness. By comparing One Number data over time (including by household composition and by inflow/outflow), the community can identify trends. Once identified, these trends can then inform interventions. We are excited to share today the latest One Number update, which includes a complete refresh of all historical One Number data; trends and analysis; and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Evaluate Upstream Progress Update January 2021: Surviving the Storm](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/evaluate-upstream-progress-update-january-2021-surviving-the-storm/) - Last week, more than 40 individuals with diverse backgrounds, representing the public and private sectors, both for-profit and non-profit; as well as community advocates, participated in a two-day Design Sprint as part of “Evaluate Upstream.” Evaluate Upstream is a homelessness prevention system change effort focused on addressing structural factors that affect access to and sustainability of housing. The goal of Evaluate Upstream is to develop a comprehensive homelessness prevention assistance system in Charlotte-Mecklenburg that is grounded in shared accountability. The Design Sprint represented a critical pivot from the research, data collection, and systems mapping that occurred in the initial segments of this multi-phase process. The ideation that occurred during the Design Thinking “sprint” will lay the foundation for next steps, which will ultimately lead to the implementation of an effective, collaboratively designed prevention system. Evaluate Upstream was conceived well before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It originated as a Continuum of Care (CoC) planning grant request that was submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) over three years ago. The need identified at that time was the same as it is now: Charlotte-Mecklenburg has multiple organizations providing a range of prevention activities, but there is neither a unified strategy, nor a concerted effort to align the whole array of prevention resources to the needs of the populations at risk of experiencing homelessness. The COVID-19 pandemic (and subsequent assistance disbursed from the federal government to keep households from eviction) has only underscored the need for an optimized prevention assistance system that is complementary to the rest of the housing ecosystem. The purpose of this week’s blog post is to provide an update on Evaluate Upstream, including implications of this work for the housing ecosystem and for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2021 Point-in-Time Count: EverybodyCountsCLT](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/2021-point-in-time-count-everybodycountsclt/) - Each year, during the final Wednesday of January, Charlotte-Mecklenburg conducts an annual Point-in-Time Count. This is intended to capture the number of people experiencing “literal homelessness” in the community. “Literal homelessness” is defined as residing overnight in an emergency shelter, safe haven, transitional housing facility, or in an unsheltered location unfit for human habitation. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count (and the complementary Housing Inventory Count, or HIC) is a mandated activity of all Continuums of Care (CoCs) as a condition of receiving federal homelessness assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). HUD aggregates PIT & HIC data from over 395 CoCs as part of an annual report that is submitted to the U.S. Congress to inform funding decisions. For the past three years, Charlotte-Mecklenburg has gone above and beyond the minimum HUD requirements, asking locally-generated survey questions to better inform decision-making here. The annual PIT Count, referred to here as “EverybodyCountsCLT,” has historically been supported by staff and hundreds of volunteers who go out, often in the middle of the night or in the early morning hours, to survey those individuals experiencing homelessness and to deliver donated winter weather supplies. As with many things during the past year, communities have had to make adjustments to conduct this year’s Point-in-Time Count due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help communities in their planning efforts, HUD provided guidance to, and options for, communities to submit modifications or receive waivers. This week’s blog post provides an update on the 2021 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Point-in-Time Count and what it means for the community; and ways that individuals can meaningfully support the work, even during a health crisis.
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care: Call for Applications](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/charlotte-mecklenburg-continuum-of-care-call-for-applications/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care is seeking applications for four (4) of its committees. The applications can be found in the links in each committee name below.
- [January 2021: Housing Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/january-2021-housing-update/) - It is (finally) 2021. The start of a new year, with the hope and promise of positive change. The time when we envision successful outcomes to the resolutions we just made. A time for new beginnings, a chance to start over. Yet the first days of January feel eerily like the last days of December. Has anything changed? Will anything truly change? If there are changes, how can we be sure that they are for the better, or the best? At the close of 2020, Congress passed another emergency COVID-19 relief package that provides some glimmers of hope. First, it extended the the federal eviction moratorium enacted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through January 31, 2021. Second, it included $25 billion in assistance for housing. Of that total, it is estimated that North Carolina will receive over $698 million. Third, it postponed the deadline for communities to spend the Coronavirus Relief funds provided in the initial CARES Act, from December 30, 2020 to December 31, 2021. With $70 billion owed by U.S. renters in combined back rent, utilities, and late fees as of January 2021, this measure helps communities like Charlotte-Mecklenburg both stave off the incoming wave of evictions and support the local economy. This week’s blog post covers the key provisions in the COVID-19 relief package, and what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [ICYMI: In Case You Missed It – The Top Ten (Posts) of 2020](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/icymi-in-case-you-missed-it-the-top-ten-posts-of-2020/) - During 2020, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Dashboard published 52 blog posts covering an array of topics, including the Point-in-Time Count; new report releases (and what they mean for the community); and local data and trends information. Throughout the year, more than 12,000 individuals accessed the Dashboard; there were over 36,000 pageviews as a result. Two all-new series were developed in response to COVID-19, focusing on how communities like Charlotte-Mecklenburg can effectively address housing instability and homelessness during (and after) the pandemic. One of these (which includes the most-viewed blog post for 2020) covered innovative stopgap efforts that can be transformed into long-term “business-as-usual” solutions. The second pandemic-oriented series took a deeper dive into the components necessary for communities to develop a successful housing, public health, and economic recovery framework to effectively respond to COVID-19. In case you missed any of it, this final 2020 blog post is dedicated to the top ten posts (as measured by discrete views) from the year. Below are summaries; links to the “top ten” posts; and a final “so, what” for Charlotte-Mecklenburg to consider as the calendar is turned.
- [Hindsight is 2020: How do you “really” make a difference?](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/hindsight-is-2020-how-do-you-really-make-a-difference/) - In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the winter solstice will take place at 5:02 a.m. on Monday, December 21, 2020. Also known as the “darkest day,” the winter solstice marks the shortest period of sunlight, and therefore the longest night of the year. Winter solstice rituals and celebrations have been taking place for over 12,000 years. With what some cultures believed to be the sun’s literal “rebirth,” the winter solstice provides both a time to take stock of what has transpired, and to look to a new beginning. As the days lengthen, and our community looks to emerge from the pandemic, new rays of hope start to shine. According to Moody’s Analytics, almost $70 billion is owed by U.S. renters in combined back rent, utilities, and late fees as of January 2021. Data from the latest U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey indicates that 29.6% (199,447) of adults living in households in North Carolina report that they are not current on their rent or mortgage payments; and eviction or foreclosure in the next two months is either “very” or “somewhat” likely. On a single night in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, there are at least 3,165 individuals experiencing homelessness. Indeed, the light we are starting to see first serves to illuminate the desolate landscape that 2020 has been. In recognition of endings and the possibilities of new, positive directions, this week’s blog post is dedicated to a look ahead, with a focus on what’s happening at the system level to address housing instability and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This post will also address, in the spirit of this time of year, specific ways that individuals can make a difference in this vital work of ending and preventing homelessness in the community. Taken one step further, how might this new beginning also be the start of “real” change, at the individual and systemic levels?
- [2020 Continuum of Care Year in Review](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/2020-continuum-of-care-year-in-review/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) has been working very hard during 2020, despite the many challenges this year has brought. The Chair of the CoC Governing Board, Kathryn Firmin-Sellers, shared accomplishments during a full CoC membership meeting on Thursday, December 17th. The presentation (click here to access slidedeck) highlighted new, innovative efforts that have been developed in response to COVID-19 to support individuals and families facing housing instability and homelessness.
- [New Report Release: Single Adult Homelessness Integrated Data Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-report-release-single-adult-homelessness-integrated-data-report/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services releases today (December 10) the Single Adult Homelessness Integrated Data (SAHID) Report. This is the first community report focused specifically on single adult homelessness. The report is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Series, which is funded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and completed by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. The SAHID report integrates four separate data sources to describe single adult homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This includes characteristics of the population, as well as an overview of the types of relevant services and systems. Data was sourced from Crisis Assistance Ministry; Mecklenburg County’s Food and Nutrition Services (Department of Social Services); the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office; and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). This blog post will provide an overview of the key findings from the report, and what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The Rent is (Past) Due: A Look Ahead to January 2021](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-rent-is-past-due-a-look-ahead-to-january-2021/) - The eviction moratorium enacted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set to expire on December 31, 2020. While the moratorium has helped postpone evictions from occurring, it offers no protection against either back rent owed or the accumulation of legal fees. Come January 1, 2021, communities across the United States may face a tsunami of evictions, which threaten to overwhelm an already strained emergency shelter capacity. Without widescale intervention, this poses a significant economic and public health crisis. This is not new news. There has been evidence of these waves on the horizon since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, many communities, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg, have taken measures to brace for impact while also trying to reduce the surge. In addition, proposed federal changes to housing policy and funding provide a glimmer of hope for the new year. This week’s blog post will share an overview of new and prospective efforts underway in the federal government to address housing instability and homelessness; and provide an update on the latest estimates of associated costs if nothing changes by the end of the year.
- [Estimating Future Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/estimating-future-homelessness/) - In the midst of a pandemic, there are a lot of unknowns: “When will the pandemic end?” “When will I be able to see my family, friends, or co-workers “in person” again?” “What do I do for the holidays?” Some households, especially those already living on the edge of housing instability and homelessness, might also be wondering, “How will I pay my rent (or mortgage) next month?” “If I get sick and can’t work, how will I cover my bills?” “If I get evicted, where will I go?” “How will I keep my job if I am homeless?” “How will I ever be able to find another home, and keep my family safe and healthy?” Prior to the pandemic, communities were already addressing the pre-existing conditions of housing instability and homelessness. These communities, like Charlotte-Mecklenburg, are also grappling with how to plan for what lies on the horizon: “How many more households will become homeless as a result of COVID-19?” “What resources are necessary to prevent this from happening?” “How do we prioritize these resources upstream and downstream?” The national eviction moratorium enacted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expires on January 1, 2021. Without additional action, communities will likely see an immediate increase in evictions; this will lead, ultimately, to increases in homelessness. One report by the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) projects that, as of January 2021, there could be as many as 240,000 eviction filings in the state of North Carolina alone; coupled with an estimated statewide rent shortfall of between $632 and $824 million. To help communities plan now, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) has shared a tool to estimate future homelessness. This week’s blog post will provide an overview of the tool, and how it can be used in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Community Update: “Evaluate Upstream”](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/community-update-evaluate-upstream/) - The August 19, 2020 Building Bridges blog post shared information about the homelessness prevention planning project, Evaluate Upstream: Optimizing the Homelessness Prevention Assistance System in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The project was launched in May 2020 by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services; and is funded by a Continuum of Care (CoC) planning grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The goals of the project are to document existing prevention resources across Charlotte-Mecklenburg; determine whether (and how well) they work together; design an optimally functioning prevention network; and develop an evaluation framework. Together, these efforts will devise and sustain a homelessness prevention system to positively impact Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Six months into the project life-cycle, this week’s blog post will provide an update on Evaluate Upstream, including lessons learned and what’s next for the work ahead.
- [Housing First Charlotte-Mecklenburg Outcomes & Utilization Report Released Today: Housing First Works](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-first-charlotte-mecklenburg-outcomes-utilization-report-released-today-housing-first-works/) - In the shadow of COVID-19, it’s easy to lose sight of the strides Charlotte-Mecklenburg has made to address chronic homelessness. Housing First Charlotte-Mecklenburg (HFCM) was launched in 2015 to end chronic homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg by scaling housing first, particularly by expanding the housing first permanent supportive housing model. Housing first programs reverse the order homeless services were traditionally given: A place to live is the first step, not the final reward for complying with services and addressing personal challenges like mental illness or substance use. “Housing first” programs prioritize housing as an early step in service delivery; have low-barrier admissions policies; maximize client choice in housing and services; use a harm reduction approach to substance use and other personal challenges; and do not require service compliance or success in order for a tenant to maintain housing. The multi-sector collaborative HFCM effort included stakeholders from homeless services, local government, nonprofits, and the business community. Through HFCM and the continued work of the homeless services sector, over 1,000 individuals were housed between January 2015 and January 2020, the vast majority of whom remain in their housing. Today, the HFCM research team from UNC Charlotte, in partnership with Mecklenburg County, released the second of two summary reports from the multi-year research and evaluation project examining the effort. The Housing First Charlotte-Mecklenburg (HFCM) Outcomes & Utilization Report summarizes findings about the impact of housing provided through the multi-sector collaboration. The HFCM Process Evaluation Report was released in September and both reports are summarized in an Executive Summary also released today. This blog post will highlight some of the key findings from the report and what they could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [One Number One Year Later: What's New, What's Changed, and What it Means](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/one-number-one-year-later-whats-new-whats-changed-and-what-it-means/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the One Number almost one year ago as part of the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Since its initial release, the One Number has been updated monthly on the Housing Data Snapshot, a hub for the latest numbers related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Generated from a By-Name List from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the One Number captures the number of people enrolled in Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Street Outreach, and Coordinated Entry projects in HMIS. This includes both sheltered homelessness and a portion of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition, the One Number can be broken down by both household composition and population type. These elements include single individuals; families; unaccompanied youth; veterans; and people experiencing chronic homelessness. The One Number can also be analyzed by inflow to, and outflow from, homelessness. By comparing One Number data over time, (including by household composition and by inflow/outflow) the community can identify trends; these trends can then inform interventions. To mark the one-year anniversary of the One Number, we are excited to share information about what is new; what has changed; and why these changes matter for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This includes a complete refresh of all historical One Number data; and new features that will allow a breakdown of One Number data by race and ethnicity.
- [Home4Good Framework Update: Housing & Economic Recovery in Response to COVID-19](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/home4good-framework-update-housing-economic-recovery-in-response-to-covid-19/) - In May 2020, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) Governing Board adopted the Home4Good Framework. This structure is based upon work completed by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and the Center for Budget Policies and Priorities. The framework provides guidance on the ways communities can maximize new funding from the CARES Act (and other sources) to both respond to the immediate, pandemic-driven crisis and plan for the longer-term economic recovery. The Home4Good Framework has six areas of impact: Coordinated Entry; Prevention; Unsheltered Homelessness; Sheltered Homelessness; Permanent Housing; and Strengthening Systems. Following the adoption of the Home4Good Framework, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg CoC formed a Home4Good Framework Workgroup to oversee the local adaptation and implementation of the Home4Good Framework recommendations. The workgroup subsequently formed six teams, with each dedicated to one impact area. The workgroup was charged by the CoC Governing Board to use data to analyze need across the housing continuum; identify and recommend alignment of funding opportunities and eligible activities; implement action steps, using the Home4Good framework; utilize an equity lens; and connect existing and new efforts to address housing instability and homelessness during the pandemic era, responding (and adjusting, when necessary) to changing conditions. This blog post provides an update on the work related to the Home4Good framework, including what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg; and next steps identified for the work ahead.
- [Point-in-Time Count Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/point-in-time-count-update/) - The Point-in-Time (or PIT) Count and its complementary activities, such as the Housing Inventory Count (or HIC) are mandated by the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These required, annual activities of communities (like Charlotte-Mecklenburg) who receive federal funding to prevent and end homelessness. The PIT Count provides a snapshot of the number of people who are experiencing homelessness on one identified night in January. Experiencing homelessness, for the purposes of the PIT Count, is defined as those individuals in emergency shelter, transitional housing, or unsheltered locations. The HIC provides a snapshot of the number of beds and/or units available to temporarily house people experiencing homelessness, such as in emergency shelter and transitional housing; and the number of beds and/or units to permanently house people who have previously experienced homelessness, including rapid re-housing, other permanent housing, and permanent supportive housing. The HIC is established on the same night as the PIT Count. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg PIT & HIC numbers are submitted each year to HUD. This data is combined with the results from other communities across the United States and then reported in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR). The AHAR is submitted to the U.S. Congress to inform funding and policies to prevent and end homelessness. Communities can also use their PIT & HIC data to inform local funding and policy priorities. This blog post will provide an overview of the results from the 2020 PIT and HIC; information about the 2021 PIT and HIC; and how the PIT and HIC can be used to support the work to address housing instability and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The 2020 SoHIH Report: Deep Dive, Part 3: Unpacking the impact of COVID-19 on housing instability and homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-2020-sohih-report-deep-dive-part-3-unpacking-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-housing-instability-and-homelessness/) - On September 26, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2020 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) report. The report provides a single, dedicated compilation of all the latest local, regional, and national data on housing instability and homelessness pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This year’s report also lays the foundation for understanding the impact of COVID-19 on housing instability and homelessness. Part 1 of the 2020 SoHIH Deep Dive blog series covered the first three themes from the report, which are all related to the need for both increased access to and availability of permanent, affordable housing. Part 2 focused on the final two themes, which are both related to role that permanent, affordable housing plays in ensuring individual and public health. This blog post completes the series by synthesizing information from the report with current data and trends related to COVID-19. In addition, this blog post will highlight examples of new solutions from other communities which may be relevant to addressing housing instability and homelessness locally.
- [The 2020 SoHIH Report: Deep Dive, Part 2: Permanent, affordable housing is individual and public health](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-2020-sohih-report-deep-dive-part-2-permanent-affordable-housing-is-individual-and-public-health/) - On September 26, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2020 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) report. The report provides a single, dedicated compilation of all the latest local, regional, and national data on housing instability and homelessness pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Last week’s blog focused on the first three themes from the 2020 SoHIH report. This blog post will take a deeper dive into the final two themes, which are all related to role that permanent, affordable housing plays in ensuring individual and public health.
- [The 2020 SoHIH Report: Deep Dive, Part 1: Access to and availability of permanent, affordable housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-2020-sohih-report-deep-dive-part-1-access-to-and-availability-of-permanent-affordable-housing/) - Last week, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2020 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) report. The report provides a single, dedicated compilation of all the latest local, regional, and national data on housing instability and homelessness pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The report is intended to be the “go-to” resource for all stakeholders working to address housing instability and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Anchored by the three main components of the housing continuum: housing instability; homelessness; and permanent, affordable (or stable) housing, the report is designed to make information easily accessible. To help connect the data with stakeholders, there are also helpful complementary materials available. These include the Key Findings Handouts, Report Toolkit and Housing Data Factsheet. Last week’s blog shared five key themes from the 2020 SoHIH report. This blog post will take a deeper dive into the first three themes, which are all related to the need for both increased access to and availability of permanent, affordable housing. The post will also share examples of solutions from other communities and what this means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2020 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Released Today](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/2020-charlotte-mecklenburg-state-of-housing-instability-homelessness-report-released-today/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services releases today the 2020 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) Report. The SoHIH report is part of the annual Housing Instability & Homelessness Report series which is funded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and produced by UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. The 2020 SoHIH provides a single, dedicated compilation of all the latest data on housing instability and homelessness pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This resource can be used by any and all stakeholders working to address housing instability and homelessness. The annual report combines local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum (from housing instability to homelessness), and stable (permanent, affordable) housing. The report features data from the 2020 Point-in-Time Count; housing inventory and rental gaps; Housing Trust Fund; and system performance metrics. This blog post outlines the key findings from the 2020 SoHIH and what it could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The Upcoming Release of the 2020 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report: What’s New in this Year’s Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-upcoming-release-of-the-2020-charlotte-mecklenburg-state-of-housing-instability-homelessness-report-whats-new-in-this-years-report/) - On Thursday, September 24, 2020, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services will release the 2020 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness (SoHIH) Report. The SoHIH report is part of the annual Housing Instability & Homelessness Report series which is funded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and produced by UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. The SoHIH is an annual report that provides a single, “go-to” document for all housing and homelessness-related data and information pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The report combines local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum, including housing instability, homelessness, and stable (permanent, affordable) housing. The report also features data from the 2020 Point-in-Time Count; housing inventory and rental gaps information; Housing Trust Fund; and system performance metrics. This blog post describes what is covered in the 2020 SoHIH, including what’s new, and what it could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [August 2020 Data Update: Part Two](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/august-2020-data-update-part-two/) - On August 27, 2020, the Building Bridges blog post shared the most recent Housing Data Snapshot, including a high-level overview of the latest trends. The Housing Data Snapshot has three main sections: the One Number (total number of people actively experiencing homelessness); By-Name List breakdowns from the One Number for veteran and chronic homelessness (inflow, outflow and housing trends); and Coordinated Entry data (total number of callers and assessments seeking housing assistance). Considered together, the Housing Data Snapshot provides the most up-to-date information on housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This week’s blog post will take a deeper dive into the August 2020 data update; explain any trends; and discuss possible implications for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing First Charlotte-Mecklenburg Process Evaluation Report Released Today: Many Housed but Lessons to Learn](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-first-charlotte-mecklenburg-process-evaluation-report-released-today-many-housed-but-lessons-to-learn/) - Housing First Charlotte-Mecklenburg (HFCM) was launched in 2015 to end chronic homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg by scaling housing first, particularly the housing first permanent supportive housing model. Housing first programs prioritize housing as an early step in service delivery, have low-barrier admissions policies, maximize client choice in housing and services, use a harm reduction approach to substance use and other personal challenges, and do not require service compliance or success in order for a tenant to maintain housing. The multi-sector collaborative effort included stakeholders from homeless services, local government, nonprofits, and the business community. Today, the HFCM research team from UNC Charlotte, in partnership with Roof Above and Mecklenburg County, released the first of two summary reports from the multi-year research and evaluation project examining the effort. The Housing First Charlotte-Mecklenburg (HFCM) Process Evaluation Report summarizes findings about how the multi-sector collaboration to end chronic homelessness was implemented. This blog post will highlight some of the key findings from the report and what they could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [August 2020 Data Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/august-2020-data-update/) - Each month, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services updates the Housing Data Snapshot, a hub for the latest numbers related to housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Housing Data Snapshot has three main sections: the One Number (total number of people actively experiencing homelessness); By-Name List breakdowns from the One Number for veteran and chronic homelessness (inflow, outflow and housing trends); and Coordinated Entry (total number of callers and assessments seeking housing assistance). Considered together, the Housing Data Snapshot provides the most up-to-date information on housing and homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This week’s blog post will unpack the latest One Number data update to the Housing Data Snapshot and describe trends. A future blog post will seek to explain these trends and what they could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Request for Letter of Interest: Emergency Solution Grant Funds](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/request-for-letter-of-interest-emergency-solution-grant-funds/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) is charged by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) to submit a community-wide application for Emergency Solution Grant (ESG) funds. The CoC anticipates that NC DHHS will allow the Charlotte-Mecklenburg CoC to apply for approximately $506,479 in this competition. This announcement serves as the opportunity for agencies to submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) to express their interest in submitting a project application through this ESG funding competition.
- [Community Update: Evaluate Upstream: Optimizing the Homelessness Prevention Assistance System in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/community-update-evaluate-upstream-optimizing-the-homelessness-prevention-assistance-system-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - The problem of housing instability and homelessness has taken center stage in Charlotte-Mecklenburg amidst an unabated pandemic. Reports of increases in homeless encampments and families with children paying week-to-week to stay in hotels are stark evidence of a worsening crisis. In the health and safety interests of families and the entire community, there is an evident and urgent need to address the lack of available and affordable permanent housing. Historically, communities have focused on sheltering and re-housing people experiencing homeless as quickly as possible. This makes sense: access to sustainable, permanent housing is the antidote to homelessness. However, we know little about the effectiveness of community systems, structures, and resources in helping households that are precariously housed avoid homelessness in the first place. In May 2020, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services launched a community project called "Evaluate Upstream: Optimizing the Homelessness Prevention Assistance System" focused on homelessness prevention. The project is funded by a Continuum of Care (CoC) planning grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The goals of the project are to document existing prevention resources across Charlotte-Mecklenburg and determine whether and how they work together; to design an optimally functioning prevention network; and to develop an evaluation framework for a homelessness prevention system that is truly impactful in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This blog post will share in-depth information and updates about the planning grant project; it will also describe the project’s unique approach to the work and what it could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [New CoC Membership Page](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/new-coc-membership-page/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) is excited to release a new CoC Membership web page. On this page, you will find all CoC member agencies and individuals. A link to each agency is also avaiable so that you can learn more about the great work taking place in the community! Please share this information with others who might be interested in signing up as CoC member - either as an organization or individual.
- [The Housing & Homelessness Dashboard: Three Years of Connecting Data with the Community](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-housing-homelessness-dashboard-three-years-of-connecting-data-with-the-community/) - When asked to describe the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Dashboard, I often start with, “Well, the Dashboard is really more than just a ‘dashboard.’” The word “dashboard” has always conjured for me static images of widgets in quadrants. But, as the Housing & Homelessness Dashboard has evolved, we learned that dashboards can be dynamic; they can provide an “at-a-glance” view of key indicators; and, like the dashboard of a vehicle, contain the instruments and controls needed to drive where you want to go. In that sense, “dashboard” has become the perfect name to encapsulate what it does. And, it still is more than just a dashboard. Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) launched the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Dashboard in August 2017. The Housing & Homelessness Dashboard was developed in partnership with the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. One goal of the Housing & Homelessness Dashboard is to provide a dedicated “hub” for all housing and homelessness related information, research and data pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Since its release in 2017, the Housing & Homelessness Dashboard has expanded and to integrate new content and features. There have been over 20,000 users with 83,000 page views. We have published over 100 blog posts. And, it is still growing and changing. This blog post will highlight just a few of the key additions to the Housing & Homelessness Dashboard over the past three years. It will also provide a glimpse of what is to come, and how these planned changes could help drive Charlotte-Mecklenburg forward.
- [Summer Reading 2020: “Top Five” List For Learning More About Housing Instability & Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/summer-reading-2020-top-five-list-for-learning-more-about-housing-instability-homelessness/) - Each year, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) releases an annual report series on housing instability and homelessness. The report series is produced by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. There are two primary output models. The first type, referred to as “integrated data” reports, links and contextualizes disparate information sources to explore the problem of housing instability and/or homelessness through a unique lens. Last month, CSS released an integrated data report describing child and youth homelessness by combining data from the Homeless Management Information System, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. An upcoming integrated data report will use combined information sources to describe single adult homelessness, which comprises the largest population sector of those experiencing homelessness. The second major output in the series is the annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. This report includes local, regional, and national data on the full housing continuum. It also features data from the Point-in-Time Count; housing inventory; rental gaps; and system performance metrics. It provides a single, “go-to” document for all housing and homelessness-related data and information pertaining to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The 2020 Report will feature new data sources, and also address the impact of COVID-19. It will be released in late September. In addition to the locally produced housing instability and homelessness outputs described above, several other housing-related reports have been released during the past year. This blog post will provide you with a “top five” reading list as of Summer 2020, including a brief overview; why you should read the report; and what each means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [July 2020 Data Update & New Features](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/july-2020-data-update-new-features/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) partners with homeless services agencies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to enter, collect, analyze, and report data on housing and homelessness in the community. As part of this work, CSS first released the Housing Data Snapshot in June 2019, and has continued to update this data regularly. The Housing Data Snapshot includes information on the One Number, a system-wide, by-name list for all individuals actively experiencing homelessness; and Coordinated Entry data on the number of individuals requesting housing assistance. Because the One Number is updated monthly, it is the best, most current data point for homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. We are excited to announce the release of new features to the Housing Data Snapshot. These are intended to help interested stakeholders take a deeper dive into homelessness and housing trends. These features include inflow and outflow charts, as well as downloadable tables for all historical data. This blog post highlights the latest changes, and provides further analysis of the data added, to the Housing Data Snapshot and what these changes mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Child & Youth Homelessness Integrated Data Report: Part 3](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/child-youth-homelessness-integrated-data-report-part-3/) - Last week’s blog post provided an in-depth look at the key findings from The Child & Youth Homelessness Integrated Data Report, which was released on July 9. The new report integrates data from multiple sources to describe child and youth homelessness and service utilization patterns in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The first blog post in the series covering different aspects of the integrated data report provided context about the the report, including how integrated data can help communities to understand and address complex issues like housing and homelessness. The five-part integrated data report explores gaps and connections across multiple homeless assistance services that impact children and youth in the community. Data from 2016 to 2017 is used from the following sources: Homeless Management Information System (HMIS); Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS); and Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS). The report was completed by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute; and is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Series, which is funded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services. This week’s post discusses the “So, What” of the report, describing evidence based strategies to address child and youth homelessness and offering recommendations for next steps.
- [New CoC Communication Coming Soon](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/new-coc-communication-coming-soon/) - We are excited to share information about logistical changes for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC). Beginning August 7, 2020, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg CoC will modify the way we communicate updates to the CoC Email Distribution List. Currently, all CoC-related information is forwarded as soon as it is received. While we want to ensure that you have timely and relevant information that could affect your program, we also want to ensure we are respectful of your time, attention, and email inboxes.
- [Child & Youth Homelessness Integrated Data Report: Part 2](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/child-youth-homelessness-integrated-data-report-part-2/) - Last week’s blog post featured the release of The Child & Youth Homelessness Integrated Data Report, which integrates data from multiple sources to describe child and youth homelessness and service utilization patterns in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The blog post provided context about the the report, including how integrated data can help communities to understand and address complex issues like housing and homelessness. The five-part integrated data report explores gaps and connections across multiple homeless assistance services that impact children and youth in the community. Data from 2016 to 2017 is used from the following sources: Homeless Management Information System (HMIS); Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS); and Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS). The report was completed by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute; and is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Series, which is funded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services. This blog post is the second in a three part-series covering different aspects of the integrated data report. Part 2 of the blog series provides an in-depth look at the key findings from the report. Next week’s post will cover the “So, What” of the report, describing evidence based strategies to address child and youth homelessness and offering recommendations for next steps.
- [Child & Youth Homelessness Integrated Data Report: Part 1](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/child-youth-homelessness-integrated-data-report-part-1/) - Housing instability and homelessness has negative short-term and long-term impacts on children and youth experiencing homelessness. Immediate effects include increased absences from school; lower scores on reading and math End of Grade tests; and greater risks of dropping out of high school. As children and youth age into adults, long-term effects can also impact mental and/or emotional health; employability; and housing sustainability. There are thousands of children and youth in households every year in Charlotte-Mecklenburg that access housing or housing-related services as a result of their experience of homelessness and/or housing instability. However, these services and the data collected by them, are not linked. This means that describing child and youth homelessness using one data source provides only a sliver of the overall picture. Using multiple data sources can be helpful, but if these sources are not linked, they merely line up uneven comparisons. Today, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services releases The Child & Youth Homelessness Integrated Data Report, which integrates data from multiple sources to describe child and youth homelessness and service utilization patterns in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The five-part report explores gaps and connections across multiple homeless assistance services that impact children and youth in the community. Data from 2016 to 2017 is used from the following sources: Homeless Management Information System (HMIS); Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS); and Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS). The report was completed by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute; it is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Series, which is funded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services. This blog post is the first in a three part-series covering different aspects of the report. Part 1 in the series will focus on the context and construction of the report; Part 2 will provide an in-depth look at the key findings; and Part 3 will cover the “So, What” of the report, describing evidence based strategies to address child and youth homelessness and offering recommendations for next steps.
- [Building Walls to Safeguard Failure](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/building-walls-to-safeguard-failure/) - “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall…” opens the poem Mending Wall by Robert Frost. The poem describes an annual ritual between two neighbors, brought together to patch the wall between their two fields. As they go about the work, one neighbor asks about the purpose of the wall. The other simply replies, “Good fences make good neighbors.” But…do walls, in fact, ensure good relations? Previously, the Building Bridges blog has addressed the lack of systemic alignment in the community through the image of failure hoarded in silos. Given the need for distancing driven by COVID-19, this post will employ the idea of a wall. Since mid-March, the Building Bridges blog has been focused on housing challenges and solutions through the lens of COVID-19. Reviewing these posts, three primary themes have emerged: Housing is healthcare; what was previously thought impossible is now considered smart and strategic; and with new private and public dollars, communities can both mitigate a new wave of COVID-related housing instability and homelessness and address the factors that drove pre-pandemic housing and homelessness issues. In particular, the post from May 13, “What Does It Mean to Go “Home” in A COVID-19 World?” underscores the fact that, while housing has always been essential to individual health, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the vital role housing plays in ensuring public health. The blog series first spotlighted the short-term interventions implemented as a crisis response to the COVID-19 pandemic that can (and should) be transformed into permanent solutions addressing the pre-existing conditions of housing instability and homelessness. Topics covered by the series include: eviction prevention; funding distribution and flexibility; shelter capacity; information sharing; evaluation and performance; conversion of hotel leases to permanent housing; and telecommunication. The blog series concluded by describing ways in which communities can use both a public health and an economic response framework to maximize COVID-19 funding. By “stretching the dollars,” communities can prevent or reduce a new wave of housing instability and homelessness specifically related to the novel coronavirus. Last week’s blog post covered this final impact area of the framework: strengthening systems as critical for an effective public health and economic recovery response. Strengthening systems requires cross-sector collaboration. Systems-level change can only happen through coordination across the entire service continuum, from funders to providers. Functioning as an integrated system, communities have the power to finally erect solutions to the complex, intractable issues of housing instability and homelessness. What role, then, do walls play in this work? This blog post will delve further into this question; the current state of housing instability and homelessness; and what it all means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Public Health & Economic Recovery Response Framework: Part 5](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/public-health-economic-recovery-response-framework-part-5/) - Last week’s blog post covered parts four and five (of the six total) impact areas for communities to consider as part of a public health and economic recovery framework response to address housing instability and homelessness. These impact areas are locally extrapolated from a new tool, A Framework for COVID-19 Homelessness Response, which was released in May 2020 by the National Alliance to End Homelessness; the National Low Income Housing Coalition; and the Center for Budget Policies and Priorities. The framework provides guidance to homelessness assistance systems (like Continuums of Care or CoCs) on how to maximize new funding (whether from the CARES Act or other sources) to both respond to the immediate crisis and plan for a lengthy economic recovery using an equity lens. Communities can begin to adapt and implement this framework as part of both their near- and longer-term COVID-19 housing responses. Using the framework as a starting point, this week’s blog post takes a deeper dive into the sixth (and final) impact area: strengthening systems.
- [NCDHHS ESG-CV Funding Announcement](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/ncdhhs-esg-cv-funding-announcement/)
- [New CoC Website](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/coc/new-coc-website/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) is excited to announce the launch of a new website. This website will allow us to better communicate with housing and homeless service providers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg as well as provide information for those who are not yet familiar with our great community.
- [Public Health & Economic Recovery Response Framework: Part 4](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/public-health-economic-recovery-response-framework-part-4/) - Last week’s blog post covered the first three (of the six total) impact areas for communities to consider as part of a public health and economic recovery framework response to address housing instability and homelessness. These impact areas are locally extrapolated from a new tool "The Framework for an Equitable COVID-19 Homelessness Response" which was first released in May 2020 and updated this week. The tool has gained new partners and focuses on equitable decision-making. This link takes you to an important, 2-minute video about why communities should consider implementing such a framework. The framework provides guidance to communities on how to maximize funding to both respond to the immediate crisis and plan for a lengthy economic recovery using an equity lens. Communities can begin to adapt and implement this framework as part of both their near- and longer-term COVID-19 housing responses. Using the framework as a starting point, this week’s blog post takes a deeper dive into the fourth and fifth impact areas: sheltered homelessness and permanent housing.
- [Public Health & Economic Framework Response - Part 2](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/public-health-economic-framework-response-part-2/) - Last week’s Building Bridges blog introduced a new tool for communities like Charlotte-Mecklenburg to consider adopting and implementing for the weeks and months ahead: a public health and economic recovery framework response to address housing instability and homelessness. In response to the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, and anticipated surges in the number of people who will experience housing instability and homelessness, there has been a significant increase of public and private funding at local, state, and federal levels. In addition, waivers have been issued to remove historic barriers; processes have been shortened or otherwise modified to be more flexible; and communities have improvised to deal with rapidly changing conditions. This is an important moment for communities like Charlotte-Mecklenburg to pause; then consider strategic alignment and appropriation of all housing and homelessness funding across the full housing continuum for maximum efficacy. On May 1, the National Alliance to End Homelessness; the National Low Income Housing Coalition; and the Center for Budget Policies and Priorities introduced A Framework for COVID-19 Homelessness Response. The framework provides guidance to homelessness assistance systems (like Continuums of Care or CoCs) on how to maximize new funding (whether from the CARES Act or other sources) to both respond to the immediate crisis and plan for a lengthy economic recovery using an equity lens. Communities can begin to adapt and implement this framework as part of both their near- and longer-term COVID-19 housing responses. This week’s blog post takes a closer look at the framework, focusing specifically on the complex web of funding sources, including new COVID-19 related funding allocations and waivers.
- [Public Health & Economic Recovery Response Framework: Part 3](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/public-health-economic-recovery-response-framework-part-3/) - On May 28, the Building Bridges blog introduced a new series covering a tool for communities like Charlotte-Mecklenburg to use: a public health and economic recovery framework response to address housing instability and homelessness. The new tool, A Framework for COVID-19 Homelessness Response, was released in May 2020 by the National Alliance to End Homelessness; the National Low Income Housing Coalition; and the Center for Budget Policies and Priorities. The framework provides guidance to homelessness assistance systems (like Continuums of Care or CoCs) on how to maximize new funding (whether from the CARES Act or other sources) to both respond to the immediate crisis and plan for a lengthy economic recovery using an equity lens. Communities can begin to adapt and implement this framework as part of both their near- and longer-term COVID-19 housing responses. The first blog in the series provided an overview of the new framework, including how it is organized and guiding values for what is included and how it can be used effectively. Last week’s blog described the new COVID-related funding sources, including local allocations. Using the framework as a starting point, this week’s blog post takes a deeper dive into the first three (of the six total) impact areas for communities to consider.
- [Public Health & Economic Recovery Response Framework: Part 1](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/public-health-economic-recovery-response-framework-part-1/) - In response to the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, and anticipated increases in the number of people experiencing housing instability and homelessness, there has been a significant increase to public and private funding at local, state, and federal levels. The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act which was passed by Congress on March 27, allocated more than $12 billion to housing and homelessness resources. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, United Way of Central Carolinas and Foundation for the Carolinas launched a local fundraising effort, which has raised over $19 million locally to support efforts including homelessness and eviction prevention. Another federal stimulus bill is currently under discussion. In addition to new and additional resources, waivers have been issued to remove historic barriers; processes have been shortened or otherwise adapted to be more flexible; and communities have improvised to deal with rapidly changing environments. The Building Bridges Blog series which began on March 18 highlights some of the short-term responses that can be transformed into long-term interventions to address the pre-existing conditions of housing instability and homelessness. COVID-19 has driven home the vital role housing plays in ensuring public health. In fact, most initial strategies targeted efforts to “flatten the curve.” However, it is vital that communities plan and prepare for the days and months ahead. Last week’s blog post discussed the importance of planning; that coordination, and collaboration across multiple sectors is required; the need to integrate new ideas and strategies evaluated during the last few months; and the value of harnessing the momentum gained, with a renewed focus on system-level strategies. This week’s blog post introduces a new tool for communities like Charlotte-Mecklenburg to consider adopting and implementing for the weeks and months ahead: a public health and economic recovery framework response to address housing instability and homelessness. The two concepts are not in competition; successful communities will be those that have addressed both, as comprehensively as possible.
- [Long-term Intervention: Urgency as the New Normal?](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/long-term-intervention-urgency-as-the-new-normal/) - On March 18, a new Building Bridges blog series was launched to share solutions from other communities and highlight key short-term responses as a result of COVID-19 that could be transformed into long-term interventions to address the pre-existing conditions of housing instability and homelessness. The blog series has covered eviction prevention; funding distribution and flexibility; shelter capacity; information sharing; evaluation and performance; conversion of hotel leases to permanent housing; and telecommunication. In addition, the COVID-19 Hub for housing and homelessness related information was published to provide regular updates on data, news, resources and best practice information. The ideas and strategies that have been shared in this blog series were birthed in a crisis and allowed to thrive only by use of a new lens. What might have been previously considered impractical or even impossible is now seen as smart and strategic. Last week’s blog post discussed another revelation from COVID-19: housing is healthcare. While housing has always been essential to individual health, the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has also driven home the vital role housing plays in ensuring public health. This week’s blog post marks a shift in the blog series from the realm of strategy to a blueprint for action. The final intervention, introduced below, focuses on the concept of “urgency.” The COVID-19 pandemic has provided communities with this potent tool to address housing instability and homelessness. Like “housing as healthcare,” the “urgency” of addressing housing instability and homelessness is not new; but the concept of urgency has been driven home in response to COVID-19. However, how can/will/should communities transform this short-term sense into a permanent state in which they operate?
- [What Does It Mean to Go “HOME” in A COVID-19 WORLD?](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/what-does-it-mean-to-go-home-in-a-covid-19-world/) - On March 18, a new Building Bridges blog series was launched to share solutions from other communities and highlight key interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week’s blog post focused on how communities can integrate telecommunication as a permanent component of housing-focused supportive services. This new Building Bridges series looks at community responses to COVID-19 using a prospicient lens: What short-term, community responses can become long-term, systemic solutions? Which immediate interventions can effectively and efficiently address the structural issues that lead to housing instability and homelessness? What “new thing” can evolve into “business as usual?” And what is needed to create healthy, stable communities permanently? This week’s blog post is co-authored with John Gaulden, Managing Director and Principal at Gensler, a global design and architecture firm. This post illustrates how changes in the concept of “home” pre- and post-COVID-19 have important implications for multiple audiences working to address housing instability and homelessness, including planners; funders; builders; developers; service organizations; and elected officials.
- [Long-term Intervention: Telecommunication](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/long-term-intervention-telecommunication/) - On March 18, a new Building Bridges blog series was launched to share solutions from other communities and highlight key interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week’s blog post focused on how communities are exploring options to transform gains in temporary housing capacity during the response to COVID-19 into permanent housing stock following the pandemic. In response to COVID-19, organizations have pivoted to ensure that people at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness can continue to receive the supportive services they need. Supportive services can include a range of interventions such as case management; housing search assistance; budget and credit counseling; medication management; mental health and/or substance use counseling; or other therapeutic services. Generally speaking, supportive services are designed to help households obtain and sustain permanent housing; and may be needed from a few weeks to years. Coupled with rental assistance, supportive services are a critical component of the work to address housing instability and homelessness. This new Building Bridges series looks at community responses to COVID-19 using a prospicient lens: What short-term, community responses can become long-term, systemic solutions? Which immediate interventions can effectively and efficiently address the structural issues that lead to housing instability and homelessness? What “new thing” can evolve into “business as usual?” And what is needed to create healthy, stable communities permanently? This week’s blog post is dedicated to how communities are continuing to provide supportive services during the response to COVID-19 and how some of these changes can be transformed into permanent solutions.
- [Long-term Intervention: From Hotels to Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/long-term-intervention-from-hotels-to-housing/) - On March 18, a new Building Bridges blog series was launched to share solutions from other communities and highlight key interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week’s blog post focused on how communities evaluate and report performance on the housing instability and homelessness services system in response to COVID-19. In response to COVID-19, communities across the United States, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg, have turned to non-congregate settings like hotels to help reduce pressures on emergency shelters; provide alternate, safe spaces in which people experiencing homelessness can isolate or quarantine; and help local businesses by filling vacancies. The degree to which communities have established partnerships with local hotels varies widely; some communities have just started the process to secure the first community hotel, whereas others have comprehensive networks statewide. The focus has understandably been on entry into non-congregate shelter; now, some communities are considering what exits from non-congregate shelter could look like. This new Building Bridges series looks at community responses to COVID-19 using a prospicient lens: What short-term, community responses can become long-term, systemic solutions? Which immediate interventions can effectively and efficiently address the structural issues that lead to housing instability and homelessness? What “new thing” can evolve into “business as usual?” And what is needed to create healthy, stable communities permanently? This week’s blog post is dedicated to how communities are exploring options to transform gains in temporary housing capacity during the response to COVID-19 into permanent housing stock following the pandemic.
- [Long-term Intervention: Evaluation & Performance](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/long-term-intervention-evaluation-performance/) - On March 18, a new Building Bridges blog series was launched to share solutions from other communities and highlight key interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week’s blog post focused on how communication among and across communities has improved in response to COVID-19. That post also shared information about the launch of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hub for Housing Information related to COVID-19. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in funding from both the public and private sectors to assist those at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness to safely shelter-in-place. With the release of these new dollars is a requirement to collect and report on outcomes to gauge the efficacy of federally funded efforts. Homeless services organizations have, by virtue of implementing new protocols and procedures, started to gather new data. An example of this new information is the extent and degree of COVID-19 symptoms among people requesting housing assistance. In addition, special attention has been paid to context during this time; if there is fluctuation, this perspective will minimize sweeping generalizations when changes occur. This new Building Bridges series looks at community responses to COVID-19 using a prospicient lens: What short-term, community responses can become long-term, systemic solutions? Which immediate interventions can effectively and efficiently address the structural issues that lead to housing instability and homelessness? What “new thing” can evolve into “business as usual?” And what is needed to create healthy, stable communities permanently? This week’s blog post is dedicated to how communities evaluate and report performance on the housing instability and homelessness services system in response to COVID-19.
- [Housing Counts: 241 Days to Permanent Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-241-days-to-permanent-housing/) - Each month, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) releases an update on community housing data. This is done via the Housing Data Snapshot. The Housing Data Snapshot provides a regular update for the total number of people experiencing homelessness in the community, as well as the total number of households seeking housing assistance via Coordinated Entry. This month, CSS has added a new metric to the Housing Data Snapshot: the average length of time to access permanent housing. This blog post provides an overview of the new metric, why it matters, and what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Long-Term Intervention: Information & Communication](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/long-term-intervention-information-communication/) - On March 18, a new Building Bridges blog series was launched to share solutions from other communities and highlight key interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week’s blog post focused on how communities have expanded shelter capacity. In addition to addressing the pre-existing issues of housing instability and homelessness, organizations are also adapting daily to the challenge of protecting the health of clients and staff. These changes are critical to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus and ensure that residents have safe, stable shelter or housing. When an outbreak of the novel coronavirus was first reported in the United States, many communities began to prepare for its spread. Initially, there was little guidance available to housing and homeless providers. On March 10, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) released one of the first national resources, a 75-minute webinar called “Infectious Disease Preparedness for Homeless Assistance Providers and Their Partners.” In addition, communities without known COVID-19 cases looked to others actively addressing the virus to help craft their own local blueprint. As shelter-in-place orders designed to manage in-person interaction were introduced, communication also ramped up and shifted online; information could now bypass any perceived geographic and/or bureaucratic barriers. New lines of access were opened among and between all levels of providers, funders, elected officials, and others. This led to an almost daily expansion of online resources, webinars, and large-group phone conferences. To help keep up with all of the new information being disseminated, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services launches today the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hub for Housing Information related to COVID-19. This new Building Bridges series looks at community responses to COVID-19 using a prospicient lens: What short-term, community responses can become long-term, systemic solutions? Which immediate interventions can effectively and efficiently address the structural issues that lead to housing instability and homelessness? What “new thing” can evolve into “business as usual?” And what is needed to create healthy, stable communities permanently? This week’s blog post is dedicated to new practices in how information has been shared and communicated in response to COVID-19.
- [Long-term Intervention: Expanding Shelter Capacity](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/long-term-intervention-expanding-shelter-capacity/) - On March 18, a new Building Bridges blog series was launched to share solutions from other communities and highlight key interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week’s blog post focused on funding distribution and flexibility; and included information from the CARES Act. In addition to addressing the pre-existing issues of housing instability and homelessness, organizations are also adapting daily to the challenge of protecting the health of clients and staff. These changes are critical to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus and ensure that residents have safe, stable shelter or housing. Communities are taking steps to ensure that people experiencing homelessness have a safe space to “shelter in place” and, if needed, isolate or quarantine. Some have delayed (or stopped altogether) sweeps of homeless encampments. The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty has released policy recommendations about housing people who are currently experiencing homelessness (including in a hotel or vehicle) for the duration of the pandemic; stopping the enforcement of laws prohibiting resting and sheltering in a public space; and issuing a moratorium on vehicle ticketing, towing, and impoundment. In addition, the governor of Connecticut issued an executive order to provide or arrange for non-congregant housing for people at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. This new Building Bridges series looks at community responses to COVID-19 using a prospicient lens: What short-term, community responses can become long-term, systemic solutions? Which immediate interventions can effectively and efficiently address the structural issues that lead to housing instability and homelessness? What “new thing” can evolve into “business as usual?” And what is needed to create healthy, stable communities permanently? This week’s blog post is dedicated to how communities have expanded shelter capacity in response to COVID-19.
- [Long Term Intervention: Funding Distribution & Flexibility](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/long-term-intervention-funding-distribution-flexibility/) - On March 18, a new Building Bridges blog series was launched to share solutions from other communities and highlight key interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week’s blog post focused on eviction prevention. In addition to addressing the pre-existing issues of housing instability and homelessness, organizations are also adapting daily to the challenge of protecting the health of clients and staff. These changes are critical to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus and ensure that residents have safe, stable shelter or housing for as long as possible. As of March 31, there have been at least 2 deaths reported among people experiencing homelessness nationwide. According to one new report released last week, over 21,000 people experiencing homelessness in the United States are predicted to need hospitalization, with as many as 3,400 likely to die as a result of COVID-19. In addition, the report estimates that an additional 400,000 beds will be needed across the country to adequately shelter and quarantine individuals experiencing homelessness. According to the report, the 12-month price tag to provide shelter and quarantine beds in alignment with new CDC guidelines is estimated at $11 billion. This new Building Bridges series looks at community responses to COVID-19 using a prospicient lens: What short-term, community responses can become long-term, systemic solutions? Which immediate interventions can effectively and efficiently address the structural issues that lead to housing instability and homelessness? What “new thing” can evolve into “business as usual?” And what is needed to create healthy, stable communities permanently? This week’s blog post is dedicated to the issue of flexibility and sustainability of funding that addresses housing instability and homelessness in response to COVID-19.
- [Long-term Intervention: Eviction Prevention](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/long-term-intervention-eviction-prevention/) - Last week’s blog post launched a new series to share solutions from other communities and highlight interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to addressing the pre-existing issues of housing instability and homelessness, organizations are also adapting daily to new challenges to protect the health of clients and staff. These changes are critical to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus and ensure residents have safe, stable shelter or housing for as long as possible. This series will look at community responses to COVID-19 using a prospicient lens: What short-term, community responses can become long-term, systemic solutions? Which immediate interventions can effectively and efficiently address the structural issues that lead to housing instability and homelessness? What “new thing” can evolve into “business as usual?” And what is needed to create healthy, stable communities permanently? This week’s blog post is dedicated to interventions targeting eviction prevention.
- [From Short-term Impacts to Long-term Interventions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/from-short-term-impacts-to-long-term-interventions/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has communities around the world grappling with their response, especially to highly vulnerable populations. These include people currently experiencing housing instability and homelessness, and those at the greatest risk of losing their housing. In addition to guidance from entities like the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD); the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH); and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), communities are sharing information with each other about how they are responding to the crisis. This blog post is the first in a new series that will focus on sharing solutions from other communities and highlighting interventions that can be used in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing Counts: Understanding CoC Performance](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-understanding-coc-performance/) - In February, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) released a new tool for Continuums of Care (CoCs): CoC Performance Profile Reports. The reports include information from FY14 to FY18 for all Continuums of Care; and also compile data from the Point-in-Time Count (PIT), Housing Inventory Count (HIC), system performance measures, and CoC Program Competition funding allocations. CoCs can view this information at the CoC-level, state-level, or federal level. This blog post provides an overview of the new report and how it can be used in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [February 2020 Data Update: One Number & By-Name List](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/february-2020-data-update-one-number-by-name-list/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) partners with homeless services agencies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to enter, collect, analyze, and report data on housing and homelessness in the community. As part of this work, CSS first released the Housing Data Snapshot in June 2019. Since then, the Housing Data Snapshot has been updated, expanded, and released each month. The Housing Data Snapshot now provides a regular update for the One Number; “By-Name” List; and Coordinated Entry. This blog post highlights the latest changes and provides further analysis of the data added to the Housing Data Snapshot and what these changes mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing Counts: Closing the "Low-Cost" Rental Unit Gap](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-closing-the-low-cost-rental-unit-gap/) - Access to affordable housing units has decreased in communities across the United States, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The definition of “affordable” can range to as much as 120% Area Median Income (AMI); which is $94,800 annually for a family of four. According to the 2019 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report, there is a documented gap of 27,022 housing units that are affordable and available to households earning below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this translates to an annual income of $25,750. A monthly rent affordable for this family is less than $650. However, the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit in Mecklenburg County is $1,063. In 2019, the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University released “Documenting the Long-run Decline in Low-cost Rental Units by State” describing the decline of “low cost” housing units (units renting under $600 per month in inflation-adjusted terms) between 1990 and 2017. This blog post covers the highlights from this research and what it could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing Counts: Student Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-student-homelessness/) - The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro released a new report in January on student homelessness in the United States. The annual report, Federal Data Summary School Years 2015-2016 to 2017-2018: Education for Homeless Children and Youth, provides information on students who experienced homelessness and were reported in public schools over a three-year comparison period. This blog post unpacks the definition used to measure student homelessness, highlights some of the key findings from the report and discusses what these findings could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Reflections on the 2020 Point-in-Time Count: What I learned from Seven Days of Surveying](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/reflections-on-the-2020-point-in-time-count-what-i-learned-from-seven-days-of-surveying/) - This week’s blog post offers a perspective from Elyse Hamilton-Childres, Prevention and Intervention Services Director with Mecklenburg County Community Support Services. Elyse has been working in the field of intimate partner violence since 2010. This year marked my first time participating in the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. I wanted to get involved for a number of reasons: 1) The domestic violence and homelessness fields have become more integrated and aligned. As a person who works with those involved in domestic violence, it is crucial that I understand the experience of homelessness more broadly. 2) I am a more effective leader when I take time to engage with people who may receive services from the programs I oversee. Data and research inform my work but cannot replace the value of lived experience and a human voice. 3) I believe in the power of authentic human interaction. I cannot end homelessness today; however, I can sit down with our homeless neighbors, shake their hands, hear their stories, and see them – really see them, and honor their dignity and worth. Participating in the PIT Count over seven days at three different locations was extraordinary. This blog post covers a few of my insights and takeaways and how it can inform the work in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing Counts: Point-in-Time Count and the Local Questions, Local Response](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-point-in-time-count-and-the-local-questions-local-response/) - The work to complete the 2020 Point-in-Time Count started on Monday, January 27 and will end on Sunday, February 2. Volunteers and providers are surveying individuals and families across Mecklenburg County to determine the number who slept in either emergency shelters, transitional housing, or in unsheltered locations on the night of Wednesday, January 29, 2020. The Point-in-Time Count is a mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for Continuums of Care (CoCs), like the one chartered in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Data collected by HUD is then reported to the U.S. Congress annually, to inform federal resource allocations for housing and homelessness assistance. Charlotte-Mecklenburg also goes above and beyond the federal funding requirements to collect other data that can be used to make decisions locally. This blog post provides information on how Charlotte-Mecklenburg uses the Point-in-Time Count to collect local data that can be used in our community, as well as how the event connects additional resources to individuals and families currently experiencing homelessness.
- [January 2020 Data Update: One Number, By-Name List & Coordinated Entry](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/january-2020-data-update-one-number-by-name-list-coordinated-entry/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) partners with homeless services agencies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to enter, collect, analyze, and report data on housing and homelessness in the community. As part of this work, CSS first released the Housing Data Snapshot in June 2019. Since then, the Housing Data Snapshot has been updated, expanded, and released each month. The Housing Data Snapshot now provides a regular update for the One Number; “By-Name” List; and Coordinated Entry. This blog post highlights the latest changes and provides further analysis of the data added to the Housing Data Snapshot and what these changes mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Continuum of Care (CoC) Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/continuum-of-care-update/) - This blog post provides an update on this important work, and what it means for the community.
- [Housing Counts: Using the Numbers on Housing & Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-using-the-numbers-on-housing-homelessness-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Our community is preparing for the 2020 Point-in-Time Count on January 29 – the night when we count the number of people who are sleeping on the streets and in sheltered locations. As part of these preparations, it is important that we look at all the numbers we use to enumerate the problems of homelessness and housing instability – and even more important that we understand how those numbers can be used to drive change. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) is required, as part of the federal funding assistance it receives, to conduct a Point-in-Time Count each year. Our community is also required to report other homelessness data, including the number of children who experience homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). This number, which is referred to as McKinney-Vento (MCV), differs from the Point-in-Time Count number; however, the two are sometimes combined or even compared to each other. It is vital that we have real knowledge of the numbers we use – including similarities and differences in data sets; ways in which the data sets are generated; reasons why the data are generated; and how the data sets can be combined, contrasted, or compared to understand problems and craft solutions. Charlotte-Mecklenburg combines the Point-in-Time Count data with other housing and homelessness information across the housing continuum. This is released in a locally-generated, annual report called the Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness. This blog post will cover the key numbers featured in the local State of Housing Instability & Homelessness report. Descriptions are provided to help understand each number individually as well as how they can be used together to inform local decision-making. A handout with 2019 Data is also provided for you to download and use.
- [Housing Counts: Looking Back and Ahead: The Ongoing Need for Systemic Solutions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-looking-back-and-ahead-the-ongoing-need-for-systemic-solutions/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Dashboard, which was launched in August 2017, serves as a one-stop-resource for housing and homelessness information for the community. The site includes data, research, and information on local initiatives. On the day of its initial release, the Housing & Homeless Dashboard was visited by 100 discrete users and had over 1,000 pageviews. Over the last two years, that number has grown to almost 13,000 individually registered users and over 100,000 pageviews. The Dashboard is now read in cities across the United States, as well as in other countries (including France, Canada, Brazil, China, Germany and Italy). The site was always intended to be “more than a dashboard.” Therefore, the Dashboard has evolved several exciting additions; one is the Housing & Homeless Ecosystem of community organizations in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Ecosystem provides standardized definitions for housing types and interventions; identifies roles and responsibilities across the housing continuum; quantifies housing capacities; and outlines funding sources. Another added feature is the Housing Data Snapshot, which provides a monthly update on the number of people entering and exiting homelessness in the community. In June, the Dashboard incorporated a Racial Equity Analysis Tool to better understand access to and utilization of housing systems. Other additions, updates, and improvements, some of which are highlighted in the “So, What” section below, will also be made to the Dashboard in 2020. As always, this regular briefing – the Building Bridges Blog – provides analysis to help the community use local housing and homelessness data to drive decisions and understand impacts. As we start a new year, this blog post will cover some major topics from 2019 and discuss what those might mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg in 2020.
- [Housing Counts: Volunteer, Donate & Raise Awareness with the Point-in-Time Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-volunteer-donate-raise-awareness-with-the-point-in-time-count/) - The Point-in-Time Count will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. This is the one night each year when our community comes together to survey each person experiencing sheltered or unsheltered homelessness. It is also the time when we capture temporary and permanent housing capacity across the housing continuum. To read more about the kick-off to the 2020 Point-in-Time Count planning activities, click here. The Point-in-Time Count is more than a funding requirement; it serves as an important reminder that, behind every data point, is a person who counts. In 2018, Charlotte-Mecklenburg branded our Point-in-Time Count as Everybody Counts Charlotte to call attention to both the fact that we must ensure that everyone is counted, and because each individual matters. By enumerating the problem of homelessness, the Point-in-Time Count activities is also a call to action. This blog post provides information on volunteer opportunities, from conducting surveys to ensure everyone is counted, to donating winter-weather items, and including raising awareness about the need for more affordable housing.
- [Housing Counts: Prevention & Policy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-prevention-policy/) - Each community has its own characteristics and structures. However, evidence-based housing solutions can be effective in any setting. Most, if not all, may also be implemented from either the bottom up or the top down to take advantage of an area’s relative strengths. As an example, Kansas City unanimously adopted its first-ever tenant’s Bill of Rights last week as part of a larger policy shift. A tenant’s Bill of Rights is a housing policy solution that can positively impact both access to and sustainability of housing. This type of housing solution was also highlighted in a 2018 toolkit released by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS). The toolkit complemented the three-part report series on local evictions produced by UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and funded by CSS. The CSS Toolkit proposes a holistic perspective on a tenant Bill of Rights, with measures to support both tenants and landlords. The intent is to underline the importance of the tenant-landlord relationship: “…Strong landlord-tenant relationships can lay the foundation for solutions that can bring real change.” This blog post provides an overview of this housing solution and what it could mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing Counts: Housing Frames Matter](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-housing-frames-matter/) - The planning activities for the 2020 Point-in-Time Count are underway. The Point-in-Time Count is more than a funding requirement; it serves as an important reminder that, behind every data point, is a person who matters. In 2018, Charlotte-Mecklenburg branded our Point-in-Time Count as Everybody Counts Charlotte to call attention to both: we must ensure that everyone is counted, because each individual counts. By enumerating the problem of homelessness, the Point-in-Time Count activities is also a call for action. The lack of affordable housing contributes to both housing instability and homelessness. In Mecklenburg County, there is a 27,022-unit gap for households at or below 30% of Area Median Income. Available housing that is affordable is the primary solution to reducing housing instability and ending homelessness. This year’s Point-in-Time Count will also spotlight solutions because, just as Everybody Counts, Housing Counts. This blog post shares new context about housing frames: the ways we frame solutions can influence the effectiveness of those solutions.
- [CoC Governance Charter & Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/coc-governance-charter-update-2/) - Since August 2019, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) has led a broad community engagement process. The goal of this work is to develop a new Continuum of Care (CoC) Governance Charter. The CoC Governance Charter identifies the purpose, responsibilities and oversight of the CoC. The CoC is responsible for, among other things, operations (holding regular meetings and adopting a written board selection process); designating a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS); planning; and preparing an application for funding. This blog post provides an update on this important work, and what it means for the community.
- [November 2019 Housing Data Snapshot Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/november-2019-housing-data-snapshot-update/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) partners with homeless service agencies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to enter, collect, analyze, and report data on housing and homelessness in the community. As part of this work, CSS released the Housing Data Snapshot in June 2019. The Housing Data Snapshot provides regular updates for the One Number, "By-Name" List, and Coordinated Entry. This blog post highlights the latest changes and provides further analysis of the data added to the Housing Data Snapshot and what these changes mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [2020 Point-in-Time Count: Save the Date & Get Involved](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/2020-point-in-time-count-save-the-date-get-involved/) - The Point-in-Time Count will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. This is the one night each year when our community comes together to survey each person experiencing sheltered or unsheltered homelessness. It is also the time when we capture temporary and permanent housing capacity across the housing continuum. The Point-in-Time Count and Housing Inventory Count are activities required of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC) in order to receive federal homelessness funding assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). Charlotte-Mecklenburg also goes above and beyond the minimum requirements to collect additional information to inform local decision-making. Mecklenburg County Community Support Services leads the Point-in-Time Count for the Continuum of Care. Although the Point-in-Time Count is not until January 2020, planning efforts must begin now. This blog post is the “kick-off” of these planning activities; and provides information on how agencies and individuals can get involved.
- [CoC Governance Charter & Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/coc-governance-charter-update/) - Since August 2019, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) has led a broad community engagement process. The goal of this work is to develop a new Continuum of Care (CoC) Governance Charter. The CoC Governance Charter identifies the purpose, responsibilities and oversight of the CoC. The CoC is responsible for, among other things, operations (holding regular meetings and adopting a written board selection process); designating a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS); planning; and preparing an application for funding. This blog post provides an update on this important work, and what it means for the community.
- [New Report Released on Prevention Assistance](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-report-released-on-prevention-assistance/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services releases today, October 14, a new report: Launch Upstream: Homelessness Prevention in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The first community report on prevention assistance in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the report provides a comprehensive look at the homelessness prevention continuum as an important catalyst within the Housing & Homelessness Ecosystem. This blog post will provide an overview of what is included in the report, why it matters and how Charlotte-Mecklenburg can use the report to address housing instability and homelessness.
- [October 2019 Housing Data Snapshot Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/october-2019-housing-data-snapshot-update/) - Community Support Services partners with homeless service agencies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to enter, collect, analyze and report data on housing and homelessness in the community. This June blog post describes the release of a new Housing Data Snapshot page, which provides regular reporting on three critical data points: the One Number, "By-Name" List Movement, and Coordinated Entry. The newest data has been added to the Housing Data Snapshot. This blog post highlights the latest changes and provides an in-depth analysis to describe what these changes mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Built for Zero in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/built-for-zero-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - Charlotte-Mecklenburg is one of more than 70 communities participating in the Built for Zero movement. Built for Zero communities seek to change how local systems work to achieve greater impact. Built for Zero seeks to unite entities around a commitment to measurably ending homelessness while incorporating real-time, by-name data. More than half of the Built for Zero communities have achieved reductions in the number of people experiencing chronic and veteran homelessness. And, of those 11 communities have proven they can end veteran or chronic homelessness altogether. This blog post focuses on the key messages part of the Built for Zero movement and what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [New Report Released: 2019 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-report-released-2019-state-of-housing-instability-homelessness/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released today (September 26) the annual Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. The Housing Instability and Homelessness Report is the only community housing report that combines all data on housing and homelessness across the continuum. This report is part of the Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Series, which is produced by UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and funded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services. This blog post describes key findings from the report and what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [The Housing & Homelessness Ecosystem](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-housing-homelessness-ecosystem/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS), in partnership with UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, releases today (September 12, via the Dashboard) the Housing & Homelessness Ecosystem of community providers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The Ecosystem is one part of a multi-step process in creating a culture of continuous improvement. To read more about why an Ecosystem matters for Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and about how definitions are organized, check out the last two blog posts on the Building Bridges Blog. This week’s blog post highlights the main components of the Ecosystem and suggests ways to use the information. The Ecosystem is not a static document; rather it is a dynamic site contained within the Dashboard that will be updated annually.
- [Defining the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Ecosystem](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/defining-the-charlotte-mecklenburg-ecosystem/) - Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) in partnership with UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, is producing the Housing & Homelessness Ecosystem of community providers as a first step in what is envisioned as creating a culture of continuous improvement. Last week's Building Bridges blog post discusses why an Ecosystem matters for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This week's blog post provides more detail about the information contained on the Ecosystem, which will be released on the Dashboard in September.
- [Why An Ecosystem Matters to Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/why-an-ecosystem-matters-to-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - An Ecosystem describes a group of interconnected elements both individually and by their interrelationships in a defined area. The typical ecosystem is a feedback loop, wherein dependencies and other conditions stressing one group can stretch an entire system to the breaking point. Observing, defining, and quantifying the discrete elements; cataloging their interconnectedness; and standardizing the tools for studying and evaluating the system is the only way to ensure the system is fully maximized for efficiency and effectiveness. To that end, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) in partnership with UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, is producing the Housing & Homelessness Ecosystem of community providers as a first step in what is envisioned as creating a culture of continuous improvement. In order for the Ecosystem to be meaningful to those observing it (such as funders) and credible to those within it, certain things must be accomplished to establish a baseline. These components include standardized definitions; identified roles and responsibilities; quantified capacities; and named funding sources.
- [August 2019 Housing Data Snapshot Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/august-2019-housing-data-snapshot-update/) - Community Support Services partners with homeless service agencies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to enter, collect, analyze and report data on housing and homelessness in the community. This June blog post describes the release of a new Housing Data Snapshot page, which provides regular reporting on three critical data points: the One Number, "By-Name" List Movement, and Coordinated Entry. This blog provides the newest data update from the Housing Data Snapshot, highlights changes, and provides in-depth analysis to describe what these changes mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [July 2019 By-Name List & Coordinated Entry Data Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/july-2019-by-name-list-coordinated-entry-data-update/) - Community Support Services partners with homeless service agencies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to enter, collect, analyze and report data on housing and homelessness in the community. This June blog post describes the release of a new Housing Data Snapshot page, which provides regular reporting on three critical data points: the One Number, "By-Name" List Movement, and Coordinated Entry. Starting with this blog post, as new data is added to the Housing Data Snapshot, we will highlight changes and provide in-depth analysis to describe what these changes mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Getting Involved with the CoC Governance Process](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/getting-involved-with-the-coc-governance-process/) - On August 14, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services hosted a Continuum of Care (CoC) Governance Kick-Off Meeting. This event shared important updates to the local CoC Governance process and provided opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved in the establishment of a new CoC Governance Charter for the community. Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte are partnering to shift the management of the Continuum of Care (CoC) from the City to the County. This change is being made as part of a comprehensive response to the community need for permanent, affordable housing. (To read more about the transition process, read last week's blog post.) This blog post provides a recap of the Kick-Off Event and highlights ways to get involved in the CoC Governance process.
- [CoC Community Transition Update](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/coc-community-transition-update/) - Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte are collaborating strategically in new and different ways as part of a comprehensive response to continued community needs around permanent, affordable housing. One of these strategies is a partnership to transition the management of the Continuum of Care (CoC) from the City to Mecklenburg County. This blog post provides an update on this important work and what it means for the community.
- [New Data Quality Page Released](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-data-quality-page-released/) - Last week, the Building Bridges blog post described the community focus on and impact of HMIS data quality in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. As part of the work to improve local housing and homelessness data quality, Community Support Services created the HMIS Data Quality page on the Housing & Homelessness Dashboard. This post is dedicated to the new HMIS Data Quality page launched today, Friday August 2nd. The page covers date quality as well as completeness for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC). In addition, the post shares how this data can be employed and some potential impacts for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Know our Data to Use Our Data: Data Quality in our Community](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/know-our-data-to-use-our-data-data-quality-in-our-community/) - In 2014, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services stepped up to fill a gap in the community by investing in two positions dedicated to housing and homelessness data. These positions are collectively focused on ensuring that we collect quality, useful and timely data and that we are connecting data to the community so that it can be used to inform funding, programs and policy. This post is the first in a series that takes a deep dive into data quality: specifically, looking at data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database. Data quality, which includes examining completeness and consistency, rarely takes center stage but it is essential to understanding the scope and nature of problems and identifying solutions.
- [Why a System View is Critical for Everyone](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/why-a-system-view-is-critical-for-everyone/) - To effectively end and prevent homelessness requires a system-wide, coordinated community response. Resources must be aligned under a shared strategic vision. The Building Bridges Blog post in October 2018 described some of the conditions necessary to facilitate an optimal community system: “In order to shift toward a new way of operating, it is important to reframe how we view the system, how we fund programs, and how we match resources to need across the full spectrum of housing needs.” This blog post will discuss in further detail the first component: how we view the system.
- [New Program in Mecklenburg County: Keeping Families Together](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-program-in-mecklenburg-county-keeping-families-together/) - Mecklenburg County recently allocated $1M to Community Support Services to replicate the MeckFUSE model in a new program with up to 50 families participating. Called Keeping Families Together (KFT), this program is a model of permanent supportive housing. Designed in partnership with Corporation for Supportive Housing, KFT is specifically for a subset of child welfare-involved families who typically present with an array of co-occurring challenges. To date, KFT has proven to be a promising practice in improving child wellbeing and decreasing child welfare involvement among the most vulnerable families. This blog post provides an overview of the program and its potential impact in Mecklenburg County.
- [New Local Racial Equity Analysis Tool on Dashboard](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-local-racial-equity-analysis-tool/) - In January 2019, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) released a Continuum of Care (CoC) Racial Equity Analysis Tool to help communities across the United States understand who is accessing local CoC systems and what outcomes are being achieved. Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, in partnership with UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, adapted the tool for use by the Mecklenburg CoC. The tool was released today, Thursday, June 20th, via this link on the Housing & Homelessness Dashboard. This blog post provides an overview of the new tool and how our community can use it to promote equity and inclusion in the provision of housing and homelessness services.
- [Diversion & Youth Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/diversion-youth-homelessness/) - The Charlotte Mecklenburg Emergency Shelter System: Assessment of Capacity and Utilization Report released in April 2019 recommends solutions to optimize the emergency shelter system. One of the suggested solutions is to employ diversion resources across the homeless services system. Diversion is a cost-effective way to serve the immediate needs of homeless individuals and families, maximizing emergency shelter capacity and targeting shelter beds and resources to individuals and families who need it the most. Diversion, when it’s implemented effectively, helps households seeking shelter to find a safe alternative. Diversion assistance includes transportation to stay with a family member as well as financial assistance to find other temporary housing solutions. Like other housing interventions, diversion with youth must be tailored to meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness. This blog post explains the challenges that are unique to serving homeless youth and the steps our community can take to address those challenges.
- [New Housing Data Snapshot Page Available](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-housing-data-snapshot-page-available/) - Community Support Services partners with homeless service agencies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to enter, collect, analyze and report data on housing and homelessness in the community. This includes regular, in-depth review of by-name lists in order to ensure that we understand the need and follow up with each person who has engaged the homeless and housing system. This blog post highlights the release of a new Housing Data Snapshot page, which provides regular reporting on three critical data points: One Number, By-Name List Movement and Coordinated Entry.
- [Why Context is More Critical than Content: The Point-in-Time Count as a Part of the Whole](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/why-context-is-more-critical-than-content-the-point-in-time-count-as-a-part-of-the-whole/) - Last week's Building Bridges blog post provided information about the numbers used to describe homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, including the Point-in-Time Count.The 2019 Point-in-Time Count numbers will be released in late summer as part of the 2019 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. This week's blog post will cover the Point-in-Time Count in more detail, including why the numbers are reported with other data on housing and homelessness.
- [Describing Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg: The Numbers and What They Mean](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/describing-homelessness-in-charlotte-mecklenburg-the-numbers-and-what-they-mean/) - Courtney Morton Housing & Homelessness Research Coordinator Mecklenburg County Community Support Services Mary Ann Priester HMIS Administrator Mecklenburg County Community Support Services. As with all Continuums of Care (CoC) across the country, Charlotte-Mecklenburg recently submitted our 2019 Point-in-Time Count and Housing Inventory Count data to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). HUD reviews all CoC submissions and, once the data is finalized, reports it to the U.S. Congress through publication of the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR). Charlotte-Mecklenburg combines the HUD-mandated Point-in-Time Count data with other housing and homelessness information in a locally-generated annual report. The State of Housing Instability and Homelessness, released in the summer, shares the metrics which have been identified by stakeholders in Charlotte-Mecklenburg as most relevant to the work to end and prevent homelessness. This blog post will cover some of the key numbers that are used to describe homelessness, what the numbers mean, and why they matter. In addition, this post will introduce a new number that will be included in this year’s report.
- [A New Approach to Affordable Housing: The Lotus Campaign, Part 3](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/a-new-approach-to-affordable-housing-the-lotus-campaign-part-3/) - The Lotus Campaign, which uses a market-based approach to address homelessness and housing affordability, launched in late July 2018. The Lotus Campaign began with pilot projects in Charlotte, North Carolina.This is the third of three blog posts about their efforts. To read more about how the Lotus Campaign got started, click here for the first blog post; click here to read the second blog post explaining how the model works. This final post in the series describes the impact Lotus has had over the past nine months.
- [A New Approach to Affordable Housing: The Lotus Campaign, Part 2](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/a-new-approach-to-affordable-housing-the-lotus-campaign-part-2/) - This blog post is the second in a three-part series about the Lotus Campaign, which uses a market-based approach to address homelessness and housing affordability.
- [Creating a Comprehensive Community Inventory of Affordable Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/creating-a-comprehensive-community-inventory-of-affordable-housing/) - The March 2019 blog post Aligning Efforts on Affordable Housing and Homelessness called for the alignment of housing efforts and goals backed by data. An active inventory of all affordable rental units is described as a critical component for this work. A comprehensive community inventory would help highlight housing gaps, set goals and provide a “go-to” database of housing opportunities in times of crisis (such as displacement due to natural disaster). Such an inventory does exist.
- [A New Approach To Affordable Housing: The Lotus Campaign](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/a-new-approach-to-affordable-housing-the-lotus-campaign/) - The Lotus Campaign (Lotus) was launched in late July 2018. Lotus has as its goal increasing the availability of housing for people experiencing homelessness by engaging the private, for-profit real estate and investment communities. Lotus’ market-based approach has three components: incent, invest and advise. This blog post is the first in a three-part series about the Lotus Campaign and this affordable housing approach driven by private philanthropy and the desire to give back.
- [First Ever Assessment Released On Emergency Shelter In Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/first-ever-assessment-released-on-emergency-shelter-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - This week, “The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Shelter System: Assessment of Capacity and Utilization” was released, providing the community with a comprehensive look at the overall emergency shelter system. The assessment was completed by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services in partnership with United Way of Central Carolinas.This blog post will provide an overview of the assessment, its key points, the context behind it and what the assessment can mean for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Aligning Efforts on Affordable Housing & Homelessness, Part 3](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/aligning-efforts-on-affordable-housing-homelessness-part-3/) - This post is the final in a three-part series that will provide an overview of the strategies presented in the February 2019 report: Aligning Affordable Housing Efforts with Actions to End Homelessness by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). The report calls for action alignment across these areas.This blog post will provide an overview and analysis of the last three strategies as well as what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Aligning Efforts on Affordable Housing & Homelessness, Part 2](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/aligning-efforts-on-affordable-housing-homelessness-part-2/) - This post is the second in a three-part series that will provide an overview of the strategies presented in the February 2019 report: Aligning Affordable Housing Efforts with Actions to End Homelessness by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). The report calls for action alignment across these areas.This blog post will provide an overview and analysis of the middle three strategies as well as what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Aligning Efforts on Affordable Housing & Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/aligning-efforts-on-affordable-housing-homelessness/) - The solutions for ending and preventing homelessness and reducing housing instability are the same: permanent, affordable housing. Importantly, failure to address one area impacts the other: if enough affordable housing is not available, shelters cannot clear out beds for people who need them. People facing housing instability who then lose their housing have nowhere to go; families often must separate to find temporary shelter. Therefore, it makes sense that efforts focusing on homelessness, housing instability and affordable housing work together in order to maximize results. This post is the first of a three-part series that will provide an overview of the strategies as well as how they might apply within our local context.
- [New Data & Monthly Data Snapshot on Community Progress](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-data-monthly-data-snapshot-on-community-progress/) - The snapshot provides the latest update on the work to end and prevent chronic and veteran homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This update reflects the progress on the coordinated, community effort to address both chronic and veteran homelessness.
- [New Features and Information Coming to the Dashboard in 2019](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-features-and-information-coming-to-the-dashboard-in-2019/) - There are exciting changes coming to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Dashboard in 2019. This post will highlight what those changes are and how you can stay connected to get the latest updates.
- [How a Data Culture Can Improve Organizations and Systems Change](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/how-a-data-culture-can-improve-organizations-and-systems-change/) - The October 2018 blog post “Connecting the Dots from the Report Part 3: Driving Change, Managing Lanes” outlines the importance of identifying roles – or “lanes” – for organizations to operate within to support each other as well as to realize a shared, strategic vision to end and prevent homelessness. It discusses the need for agencies to complement rather than compete for funding and resources. A Child’s Place applied this thinking to our organization. This blog post is a reflection on what we discovered, and what we plan to do next.
- [Why We Ask Questions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/why-we-ask-questions/) - I have served as a volunteer for the Point-in-Time Count for multiple years. Starting in 2018, our community began using the “Counting Us” app to conduct the survey as part of the annual Point-in-Time Count. As a volunteer, you are trained to use the app to complete survey questions with people experiencing homelessness. Many questions are answered with a drop-down choice, and the survey is easily completed within 10 to 15 minutes. At the end of my shift I successfully submitted the completed survey questions - answers to questions that will help our community continue to receive funding and, just as importantly, inform local work. But I left with so many of my own unanswered questions.
- [#Your Voice Counts - How to use it after Everybody Counts Charlotte: 2019 Point-in-Time Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/your-voice-counts-how-to-use-it-after-everybody-counts-charlotte-2019-point-in-time-count/) - The Everybody Counts Charlotte: 2019 Point-in-Time Count was conducted between January 22 and February 1. Volunteers and staff have completed surveys with individuals and families experiencing homelessness in emergency shelters, transitional housing and outside in unsheltered locations. Last year, 1,668 people were counted during the Point-in-Time Count. We share with individuals and families experiencing homelessness that completing the Point-in-Time Count survey is one way to help make their voices count: we will use the information gleaned from the survey to make changes in the community. Individuals and families are not required to complete the survey, but many of them do...each sharing their personal experiences with complete strangers in order to help others. To be counted. To be heard.
- [2019 POINT-IN-TIME COUNT: WHAT'S NEXT AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/2019-point-in-time-count-whats-next-and-how-to-get-involved/) - The 2019 Point-in-Time Count will take place on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. The Point-in-Time Count is when our community comes together to count the number of people who are experiencing homelessness on the streets and in temporary shelters throughout Mecklenburg County. The Point-in-Time Count is critical to understand the need for housing and to inform local funding and policy decision-making in the community. It also provides an opportunity to engage others around the issue of housing and homelessness and reminds us that there are people behind the numbers that we count. To learn more about how to get involved, read this post and visit the EverybodyCountsCharlotte: Point-in-Time Count website: www.everybodycountsclt.org
- [2019 Point-in-Time Count Work Begins](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/2019-point-in-time-count-work-begins/) - The 2019 Point-in-Time Count will take place on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. The Point-in-Time Count is when our community comes together to count the number of people who are experiencing homelessness on the streets and in temporary shelters throughout Mecklenburg County. The Point-in-Time Count is a required activity and is connected to the federal funding that Charlotte-Mecklenburg receives for the Continuum of Care (CoC). However, our community goes above and beyond to use the Point-in-Time Count as a way to both raise awareness about housing and homelessness and to collect data that can inform local decision-making. Learn about how you can get involved by reading this post.
- [5 Years Later: Coordinated Entry in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/5-years-later-coordinated-entry-in-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - It has been nearly five years since our community started Coordinated Entry. Coordinated Entry is designed so everyone who experiences homelessness or is at risk of becoming homeless has equal access to housing resources and can be quickly referred for assistance. When we originally discussed the idea of Coordinated Entry with members of the community, we promised that Coordinated Entry would be the first step to enable systems change. With the housing crisis growing daily, it can feel like little has changed for the better since we implemented Coordinated Entry. But, it is important to reflect on what has been accomplished in five years, as well as the distance we have yet to travel.
- [New Annual Data Report on Housing Instability & Homelessness To be Released Thursday](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-annual-data-report-on-housing-homelessness-to-be-released-thursday/) - On Thursday, August 23, the report, “2018 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability and Homelessness” will be released to the public on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Dashboard. The report serves as an annual report on housing instability and homelessness data in the community. For the first time, Point-in-Time Count information is combined with data from other homeless system measures and housing instability metrics to provide a full picture of housing needs in our community.
- [Connecting the Dots from the Report Part 1: Link Solutions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/connecting-the-dots-from-the-report-part-1-link-solutions/) - Mecklenburg County recently released the newest report from the Housing Instability and Homelessness Report Series by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute: 2018 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability and Homelessness. The report serves as an annual report on housing instability and homelessness data in the community and is the first time Point-in-Time Count information is combined with data from other homeless system measures and housing instability metrics to provide a full picture of housing needs in our community. In addition to the report, Mecklenburg County released a toolkit to help take the information from the report and translate it into action: the next steps or "So, What." This blog post is focused on one of the next steps outlined in the toolkit from the community level.
- [Connecting the Dots from the Report Part 2: Seeing New Solutions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/connecting-the-dots-from-the-report-part-2-seeing-new-solutions/) - Mecklenburg County recently released the newest report from the Housing Instability and Homelessness Report Series by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute: 2018 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability and Homelessness. This is the first annual report on housing instability and homelessness data in the community and is the first time Point-in-Time Count information is combined with data from other homeless system measures and housing instability metrics to provide a full picture of housing needs in our community. In addition to the report, Mecklenburg County released a toolkit to help take the information from the report and translate it into action: the next steps or "So, What." This blog post is the second in a series focused on the next steps outlined in the toolkit, looking at change at the community level.
- [Connecting the Dots from the Report Part 3: Driving Change, Managing Lanes](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/connecting-the-dots-from-the-report-part-3-driving-change-managing-lanes/) - This third and final blog post in the series on the report release focuses on a key component of driving change to end and prevent homelessness: matching, managing and maximizing existing and new resources and roles to needs.
- [The Point-in-Time Count in Mecklenburg County: What If the Number Goes up?](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/the-point-in-time-count-in-mecklenburg-county-what-if-the-number-goes-up/) - Later this month, Mecklenburg County will release the final total for the 2018 Point-in-Time Count: the annual census of the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg on one night in January. The data from the Point-in-Time Count will be included as part of a new annual report, the State of Housing & Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In addition to Point-in-Time Count data, this report will also include information on affordable housing and housing instability.
- [Considering the Full Picture: Looking Ahead to Intersections of Housing & Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/considering-the-full-picture-looking-ahead-to-intersections-of-housing-homelessness/) - Homelessness and housing instability and related factors of education, childcare and transportation can be viewed as separate issues, which can diminish the effectiveness of potential solutions and create community silos. Understanding the intersection of challenges that individuals and families face from housing instability to homelessness are critical to creating holistic housing solutions that can promote housing stability, improve education and support overall well being.
- [What's New from the "The State of the Nation's Housing 2018" Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/whats-new-from-the-the-state-of-the-nations-housing-2018-report/) - On June 18, 2018, The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University released the “State of the Nation’s Housing 2018” report, marking the 30th anniversary of its release. The report is released annually and provides an overview of housing market conditions in the United States. The 2018 release also looks back at the last 30 years to examine how key metrics have changed and progress on the goal of producing decent and affordable homes for everyone. This blog post provides a high-level overview of the report and key takeaways for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Mecklenburg County Community Support Services offers considerations for the community in the “So, What” section.
- [In 2018, Housing Remains Out of Reach for Many, Part 2.](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/in-2018-housing-remains-out-of-reach-for-many-part-2/) - Last week’s blog was dedicated to the release of new data in the 2018 Out of Reach report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The blog discussed the need for more housing assistance, including from the private sector to decrease housing costs and close the gap. This week’s blog takes on the second part of the Out of Reach Report: the problem of low wages, the growth of low wage work and need to address wages in addition to housing to close the gap.
- [In 2018, Housing Remains Out of Reach for Many](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/in-2018-housing-remains-out-of-reach-for-many/) - In 2016, we co-authored a blog, dedicated to this topic with the title, “In 2016, housing remains out of reach for many”. We have updated the year to 2018, but the title is the same and the gap between housing costs and income is the widest yet. This blog post provides a high level overview of the findings from the report and what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Mecklenburg County Community Support Services has outlined additional policy and practice interventions for consideration in the "So, What" section at the end of the post.
- [New Tools for Consideration: Lessons Learned from UNCG's Housing & Health Symposium](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-tools-for-consideration-lessons-learned-from-uncgs-housing-health-symposium/) - On Friday, June 1, UNC Greensboro hosted the Innovations in Planning for Better Community Housing and Health Symposium. The goal of the Symposium was to “explore the use of data and cross-sector collaborations to develop healthy neighborhoods facing the greatest barriers to good health”. This blog post is dedicated to two ideas we took away from other communities for consideration in Charlotte-Mecklenburg as we work to prevent and end homelessness and promote housing sustainability throughout the community.
- [Evictions in Charlotte-Mecklenburg: Learn the Facts, Get Involved, Change the System](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/evictions-in-charlotte-mecklenburg-learn-the-facts-get-involved-change-the-system/) - This post is devoted to linking the information from all three reports. Read more to get the highlights from all three reports and access a new, one-page Fact Sheet that takes the essential information from the three report briefs. It also includes new information from The Eviction Lab, which was released in April 2018 by Princeton University and Matthew Desmond, author of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City (2016). In addition to information the Fact Sheet provides ways for you to get involved in big changes that can reduce and prevent evictions in the community.
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Evictions Part 3 Released Today](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/charlotte-mecklenburg-evictions-part-3-released-today/) - The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released Charlotte-Mecklenburg Evictions Part 3: One-month Snapshot of Eviction Court Records Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Evictions Part 3: One-Month Snapshot of Eviction Court Records is the final report in a series on evictions in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This report focuses on how and why tenants are evicted and the cost of evictions for landlords and tenants. This series marks the first time local eviction data from court records have been analyzed and reported. Read the full reflection to see the report findings and find out what it means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Housing Instability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/story/housing-instability/) - Housing Instability is a Growing Problem in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. How a Risk Profile Could Help Target Limited Resources.
- [Third Report on Evictions in Mecklenburg County to be Released Next Week](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/third-report-on-evictions-in-mecklenburg-county-to-be-released-next-week/) - On Wednesday, May 23, the report, “Charlotte-Mecklenburg Evictions Part 3: One-month Snapshot of Eviction Court Records” will be released to the public – the third report in a series focused on evictions in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The report marks the first time local eviction data from court records have been analyzed and reported. Read more to learn what will be covered and why it matters.
- [50 Years Ago Today: The Significance of the Fair Housing Act on its Anniversary](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/50-years-ago-today-significance-fair-housing-act-anniversary/) - Growing up in the 1960’s like I did, you had to be living under a rock not to be affected by the ultra-compelling and ultra-unfair conditions of racial discrimination and racial segregation in U.S. cities. The cause of those who fought against these inequities was gripping and undeniable – the folks who stood up were on the right side of the issue, even at a time when not many were willing to stand up. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. And the Federal Fair Housing Act was enacted on April 11, 1968 – one week later. No coincidence. Read more to learn about the significance of the Fair Housing Act 50 years later.
- [Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Community Support Services Working Together to Assess Needs of the Homeless Who Use Main Library](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/charlotte-mecklenburg-library-and-community-support-services-working-together-to-assess-needs-of-the-homeless-who-use-main-library/) - As part of Mecklenburg County's Capital Improvement Program, the Main Library located in uptown Charlotte will be replaced and closed for several years. Early in the planning stages, Library and County officials recognized that the Library is an important component of an ecosystem that supports Charlotte’s homeless population, in direct alignment with its mission to improve lives and build a stronger community. They further identified that the needs of the homeless would need to be addressed in the space and programming for the new Main Library. To better understand those needs, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Mecklenburg County Community Support Services partnered to conduct a survey in September 2017. This survey was designed to understand the impact of the closing on library users and determine what resources are most valued by individuals who use the Main Library every day.
- [Health & Homelessness: A Point-in-Time Count Reflection](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/health-homelessness-point-time-count-reflection/) - Emergency departments frequently provide care to patients who are experiencing homelessness. They are open 24/7 and are required by law to treat anyone who presents for care, regardless of whether the person is experiencing a medical emergency or has the ability to pay. During the Point-in-Time count emergency waiting rooms throughout the county were included as sites to conduct the survey.
- [Domestic Violence's Impact on Homelessness: A Point-in-Time Count Reflection](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/domestic-violences-impact-homelessness-point-time-count-reflection/) - Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women. Housing is a critical component of a victims’ ability to live violence-free, independent from the abuser. But successful housing placement may not be maintained if the housing provider does not understand the dynamics of domestic violence and how it might impact housing stability.
- [The Street Outreach Connection: A Point-in-Time Count Reflection](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/street-outreach-connection-point-time-count-reflection/) - The Point-in-Time Count is most often talked about in terms of the data collected: How many people were unsheltered? Is homelessness in our community increasing or decreasing? What’s not discussed as often are the stories of the people behind the data, and the direct impact the Point-in-Time Count can have in ending someone’s homelessness. The Point-in-Time Count provides a dedicated day in which street outreach staff know they will have the added capacity to actively seek out all people experiencing homelessness outside across Mecklenburg County and ask about who they are and what they need.
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Evictions Part 2: Mapping Evictions Released Today](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/charlotte-mecklenburg-evictions-part-2-mapping-evictions-released-today/) - The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released Charlotte-Mecklenburg Evictions Part 2: Mapping Evictions Tuesday, March 20, 2018. Evictions Part 2: Mapping Evictions is the second of three reports on the topic and marks the first time local eviction data have been mapped at the neighborhood level. The report shows where formal evictions occur and links eviction data with Quality of Life Explorer data to explore the characteristics of neighborhoods with high and low rates of evictions.
- [Second Report on Evictions in Mecklenburg County to be Released Next Week](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/second-report-evictions-mecklenburg-county-released-next-week/) - On Tuesday, March 20, the report, Mecklenburg County will release a new report authored by UNC Charlotte Urban Institute: “Charlotte-Mecklenburg Evictions Part 2: Mapping Evictions.” This is the second report in a series focused on evictions in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This new report marks the first time local eviction data have been mapped, showing where evictions occur and exploring characteristics of neighborhoods with high and low rates of evictions.
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Million Dollar Team: A Point-in-Time Count Reflection](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/charlotte-mecklenburgs-million-dollar-team-point-time-count-reflection/) - A coworker of mine recently went through a harrowing experience with her family while wrapping up a family vacation out of the country. They spent two weeks snorkeling, hiking, and enjoying the beauty of the country, making wonderful memories to enjoy together for years to come. Packed and ready to head home, they were stopped at the airport by the most unexpected tragedy.
- [Why the Housing Inventory Count Matters: A Point-in-Time Count Reflection](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-inventory-count-matters-point-time-count-reflection/) - The Point-in-Time Count captures two important numbers: the number of people experiencing homelessness on one night and the number of beds or units available to temporarily and permanently house them. That second number – the number of beds and units – is called the Housing Inventory Count. It is a number that is critical to understand trends and progress in the work to end and prevent homelessness. It is also often left out of the conversation. When we look at the Point-in-Time Count numbers, we must consider the change in capacity, too.
- [Identifying the Problem of Identification: A Point-in-Time Count Reflection](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/identifying-problem-identification-point-time-count-reflection/) - On the morning of February 1, I was assigned to the Fourth Ward district of Uptown Charlotte. One man that I interviewed told me that the primary reason he was not staying at a shelter was because his South Carolina ID was not acceptable for entrance. For me, this interaction brought to my attention the insular causes of homelessness that are exacerbated by federal and state policies regarding access to state-issued identification. It also encouraged me to consider the current requirements to enter emergency shelter as well as other services that people experiencing homelessness might require.
- [Underemployment & Homelessness: A Point-in-Time Count Reflection](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/underemployment-involuntary-part-time-work-homelessness-point-time-count-reflection/) - The 2018 Point-in-Time Count Survey includes questions about income source and average monthly gross amount received. While conducting point-in-time surveys, one of the things I consistently heard from people I interviewed was that underemployment was one of their biggest barriers to being able to obtain stable housing. Many said they were working but needed more consistent work, higher wages, and more hours. For involuntary part-time workers in low-income households, unpredictable and unstable incomes, being paid less per hour, and having an increased likelihood of experiencing intermittent periods of unemployment can result in prolonged housing instability and prolonged homelessness.
- [We have little time: Let's be purposeful](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/little-time-lets-purposeful/) - Are we as busy as we think we are? Some of us may think we have time to devote to the things we love, however, when you dig into the scheduler, it's easy to see how many opportunities we miss to do the things we cherish the most. It is hard to be too critical though, we are only human. If we want to ensure we are able to impact our community, we have to force ourselves to start making changes today.
- [Housing Counts, Everybody Counts: The 2018 Point-in-Time Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/housing-counts-everybody-counts-2018-point-time-count/) - The night of the 2018 Point-in-Time Count was January 31. Since January 15, volunteers have been completing surveys with people experiencing homelessness in emergency shelter and transitional housing. On Thursday morning, February 1st, volunteers go out into the streets and camps and other places unfit for human habitation in order to survey people experiencing homelessness outside. The Point-in-Time Count can be so much more than a census. It is an opportunity for us to lift up the voice of each and every person and family that is experiencing homelessness. We can do this by integrating what we learn from individual stories as well as the the data we collect to inform local decision-making around housing and homelessness.
- [Behind The Numbers: The People & Parameters of the Point-in-Time Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/behind-the-numbers-the-people-parameters-of-the-point-in-time-count/) - The night of the 2018 Point-in-Time Count occurs on January 31, 2018. This is when Charlotte-Mecklenburg counts the number of people experiencing homelessness in emergency shelter, transitional housing and on the streets. In 2017, that total was 1,476. The Point-in-Time Count helps communities like ours understand and describe the scope of homelessness on one night -- the number and the characteristics. When we compare that number year over year and combine it with other performance data, we can better understand whether we are making progress in the work to end and prevent homelessness. There are a number of changes to the 2018 Point-in-Time Count -- some are changes required by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and some are changes initiated from our community. Learn more here.
- [We need to expand the conversation](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/need-expand-conversation/) - I took for granted as a young professional that affordable housing and homelessness were a part of the same conversation. The development challenges we face as a city – homelessness, a shortage of more than 21,000 units for those making 50% or less of our area median income, the lack of social mobility in specific zip codes, the impact and persistence of racial segregation – cannot be solved project-by-project or campaign-by-campaign. They require a larger, inclusive, multidisciplinary conversation.
- [Local Report Series Topics Released for 2018](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/local-report-series-topics-released-2018/) - Three new reports covering affordable housing, housing instability and homelessness will comprise the 2018 Housing Instability & Homelessness Report Series. The 2018 reports topics are described in this post.
- [Not Quite a Year in Review](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/not-quite-year-review/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Dashboard was released four months ago on August 21st. Currently, the Dashboard has data, local and national research, stories and a weekly blog. The goal of the Dashboard is to create a one-stop-resource for all housing and homelessness information in the community that anyone can access and use. Since its release in August, the Dashboard has been visited over 13,500 times. Taking out the initial release days when traffic was high, the Dashboard is visited on average about 100 times a day.
- [The Longest Night of the Year](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/longest-night-year/) - Yesterday – December 21 – was the winter solstice: the shortest day and the longest night of the year in Earth’s northern hemisphere. It also signals the official start to the winter season, although cold weather has already come to visit Charlotte-Mecklenburg. December 21 was also National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, a day to remember people in communities across the United States who have died while homeless in the past year. On November 16, Charlotte-Mecklenburg remembered over 50 individuals who died in the past year. There were 28 people who were homeless when they died.
- [New Intervention Starts in Charlotte-Mecklenburg: Delayed Diversion](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-intervention-starts-charlotte-mecklenburg-delayed-diversion/) - For over a year, every emergency shelter in Charlotte-Mecklenburg has been full. Of course, every day, people leave our shelters to move into housing options, which we celebrate, but there are always more people than beds waiting at the front door. The heart feels this the heaviest when the temperatures drop. We know people are sleeping in the cars and outside in dangerously cold temperatures, because our shelters do not have room.
- [New Report on Homelessness & What It Means for Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/new-report-homelessness-means-charlotte-mecklenburg/) - A new report called The 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress released this week by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) provides national and statewide numbers on the number of people experiencing homelessness on one night in January 2017. This blog post will break down information in the new report, compare the new information to local Point-in-Time Count numbers, and offer three takeaways for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Reckoning with Redlining and Other Policies I Benefit From](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/reckoning-redlining-policies-benefit/) - We have an affordable housing crisis in Charlotte that disproportionately impacts families of color. When we reckon with the history of housing policy in America, this disproportionate impact isn’t a surprise. The roots of this crisis are from policies based on race. Yet, to counteract the policy impact decades later, we are relying on programs and services that disregard race. Can the decades long impact of discriminatory policies be counteracted by nonprofits and improved service provision? The current state of our housing crisis would say no, our approach is insufficient.
- [The Gift of Time: Point-in-Time Count 2018](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/gift-time-point-time-count-2018/) - W. T. Purkiser wrote, “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, when we are reminded of blessings like family, friends, food and fellowship, Purkiser’s wisdom to consider how we use those blessings is important, especially as we think about our gift of time. How will you spend your time in the final months of 2017 and what might you do differently in 2018? As you ponder, here’s an option to consider in 2018.
- [Using Data to Drive Care Coordination Of Frequent Users Of Medical Transports and Emergency Departments](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/using-data-to-drive-care-coordination-of-frequent-users-of-medical-transports-and-emergency-departments/) - Read how data is used to improve care coordination and reduce medical transports for frequent emergency service users in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
- [Big Solutions Needed to Address Housing & Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/big-solutions-needed-address-housing-instability-homelessness/)
- [Coordinated Entry Partners with NC 2-1-1 for Streamlined Access to Housing Information](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/coordinated-entry-partners-2-1-1-streamlined-access-housing-information/)
- [How Do We Address Housing Instability? Integrated Data in Local Report Series Provide A Way to See New Solutions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/address-housing-instability-integrated-data-local-report-series-provide-way-see-new-solutions/)
- [The data pipeline: How data get to the dashboard](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/data-pipeline-data-get-dashboard/)
- [Evictions in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/evictions-charlotte-mecklenburg/)
- [$3.9M Housing Assistance Application Submitted to HUD](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/uncategorized/3-9m-housing-assistance-application-submitted-hud/)
- [A Year Later: Mecklenburg County Approves Affordable Housing Strategy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/year-later-mecklenburg-county-approves-affordable-housing-strategy/)
- [Local Reports Offer New Ways to Look at Data and Create Positive Change](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/uncategorized/local-reports-offer-new-ways-look-data-create-positive-change/)
- [First Time Homelessness Measure Links Housing Instability to Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/uncategorized/first-time-homelessness-measure-links-housing-instablity-homelessness/)
- [Progress on System Performance Measures to play key role in federal assistance funding](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/blog/progress-system-performance-measures-play-key-role-federal-assistance-funding/)
- [Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/story/homelessness-placeholder-story/) - Coming soon. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed on all of our news.
- [Affordable Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/story/affordable-housing-placeholder-story/) - Coming soon. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed on all of our news.

## Pages

- [CoC Documents](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/charlotte-mecklenburg-coc/coc-documents/)
- [CoC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/charlotte-mecklenburg-coc/what-we-do/coc-notice-of-funding-opportunity-nofo/)
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- [Housing Data Snapshot](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/housing-data-snapshot/)
- [Volunteer for Everybody Counts CLT](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/point-in-time-count/volunteer-everybody-counts-clt/)
- [Point-in-Time Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/point-in-time-count/)
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- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Prevention Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/research/charlotte-mecklenburg-prevention-report/)
- [HMIS](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/welcome/charlotte-mecklenburg-hmis/hmis/)
- [One Number Historical Data](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/housing-data-snapshot/one-number-historical-data/)
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Shelter System Assessment](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/welcome/charlotte-mecklenburg-emergency-shelter-system-assessment/)
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- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Evictions Part 3: One-month Snapshot of Eviction Court Records](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/housing-instability-report/charlotte-mecklenburg-evictions-part-3-one-month-snapshot-of-eviction-court-records/)
- [What's Next Everybody Counts Charlotte](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/point-in-time-count/whats-next-everybody-counts-charlotte/)
- [Housing Instability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/welcome/housing-instability/)
- [Housing Instability Reports](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/housing-instability-report/)
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Evictions Part 2: Mapping Evictions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/housing-instability-report/charlotte-mecklenburg-evictions-part-2-mapping-evictions/)
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Evictions Report Part 1: An Introduction to Evictions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/housing-instability-report/charlotte-mecklenburg-evictions-report-part-1-introduction-evictions/)
- [Regional & National Reports](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/research/regional-national-reports/)
- [Characteristics of CHA's Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/housing-instability-report/characteristics-chas-housing-choice-voucher-waiting-list/)
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Strategies for Affordable Housing Development](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/housing-instability-report/charlotte-mecklenburg-strategies-affordable-housing-development/)
- [Housing Instability in Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/housing-instability-report/housing-instability-charlotte-mecklenburg/)
- [Stories](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/stories/)
- [Progress](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/progress/)
- [Annual Count of Sheltered Homelessness Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/annual-count-of-sheltered-homelessness-report/)
- [Point-in-Time Count Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/point-in-time-count-report/)

## Resources

- [DreamKey Partners](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/dreamkey/)
- [Good Friends](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/good-friends/)
- [Good Fellows](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/good-fellows/)
- [Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/charlotte-center-for-legal-advocacy/)
- [Stan Greenspon Center for Peace and Social Justice](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/stan-greenspon-center-for-peace-and-social-justice/)
- [The Relatives](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/the-relatives/)
- [Safe Home Housing Rehabilitation Program](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/safe-home-housing-rehabilitation-program/)
- [Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/rebuilding-together-of-greater-charlotte/)
- [Promise Resource Network](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/promise-resource-network/)
- [Pineville Neighbors Place](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/pineville-neighbors-place/)
- [Mecklenburg County Courts Landlord/Tenant Mediation Program](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/mecklenburg-county-courts-landlord-tenant-mediation-program/)
- [Matthews HELP Center](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/matthews-help-center/)
- [GreenPath Financial Wellness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/greenpath-financial-wellness/)
- [Families Forward Charlotte](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/families-forward-charlotte/)
- [Faith Community and Individual "Quiet Philanthropy"](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/faith-community-and-individual-quiet-philanthropy/)
- [Crisis Assistance Ministry](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/crisis-assistance-ministry/)
- [Community Link](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/community-link/)
- [Common Wealth Charlotte](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/common-wealth-charlotte/)
- [Charlotte Area Fund](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/charlotte-area-fund/)
- [Carolinas Care Partnership/Regional Housing Partnership](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/carolinas-care-partnership-regional-housing-partnership/)
- [Canopy Housing Foundation](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/canopy-housing-foundation/)
- [Ada Jenkins Center](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/ada-jenkins-center/)
- [West Side Community Land Trust](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/west-side-community-land-trust/)
- [Socialserve](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/socialserve/)
- [Lotus Campaign](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/lotus-campaign/)
- [Lakewood Neighborhood Alliance](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/lakewood-neighborhood-alliance/)
- [HousingCLT](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/housingclt/)
- [Freedom Communities](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/freedom-communities/)
- [Heal Charlotte](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/heal-charlotte/)
- [Davidson Housing Coalition](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/davidson-housing-coalition/)
- [CrossRoads Corporation for Affordable Housing and Community Development, Inc.](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/crossroads-corporation-for-affordable-housing-and-community-development-inc/)
- [OneMECK Affordable Housing Committee](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/onemeck-affordable-housing-committee/)
- [Legal Aid North Carolina](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/legal-aid-north-carolina/)
- [Carolina Jews for Justice, Charlotte Chapter](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/carolina-jews-for-justice-charlotte-chapter/)
- [Housing Justice Coalition](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/housing-justice-coalition/)
- [Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/habitat-for-humanity-charlotte-region/)
- [Equitable Communities CLT](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/equitable-communities-clt/)
- [Action NC/Tenant Organizing Resource Center](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/resources/action-nc-tenant-organizing-resource-center/)

## Events

- [Coordinated Entry Oversight Committee](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/coordinated-entry-oversight-committee/) - The Coordinated Entry Oversight Committee (CEOC), a committee of the Continuum of Care (CoC), is responsible for operating an effective Coordinated Entry system that promotes equal access to resources and enables efficient allocation of available housing resources. The CEOC operates a coordinated access system that provides an initial assessment of the needs of homeless individuals
- [CoC Governing Board Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/coc-governing-board-meeting-2/) - December CoC Governing Board Meeting Zoom: https://mecknc.zoomgov.com/j/16101411994?pwd=MkEzZXU1cmRyeFVQelNtdHV0K1ZBZz09 In Person: 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC; Suite 2000, Entrance D
- [November CoC Governing Board Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/november-coc-governing-board-meeting/) - Location: Hearts United For Good 2920 North Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28206
- [Training:  Effectively Serving LGBTQ People-Presented by Time Out Youth](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/training-effectively-serving-lgbtq-people-presented-by-time-out-youth/) - When: Nov 4, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAuc-ytrDovE9yJ42TEoL34h1vGXK9bvKk8 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- [CoC Governing Board Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/coc-governing-board-meeting/) - https://zoom.us/j/97063812223?pwd=SGR3OWZwaGEyNStWZXBudDltRHpJUT09 Meeting ID: 970 6381 2223 Passcode: 962846 One tap mobile +19292056099,,97063812223#,,,,*962846# US (New York) +13017158592,,97063812223#,,,,*962846# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215
- [Housing Our Heroes (Veterans Workgroup)](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/housing-our-heroes-veterans-workgroup-2/) - https://zoom.us/j/92863530520?pwd=M2NnNmxJRTdNcXB6VUZtZExNTkwzQT09
- [Housing Our Heroes (Veterans Workgroup)](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/housing-our-heroes-veterans-workgroup/) - https://zoom.us/j/92863530520?pwd=M2NnNmxJRTdNcXB6VUZtZExNTkwzQT09
- [CoC:101 Information Session](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/coc101-information-session/) - https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvc-yqrTsoE9UfDqBwnNRoeTDwnnn5dYqb
- [CoC Full Membership Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/coc-full-membership-meeting/) - https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckdeGoqD0rGtVL4yMLluQKKPfIRdhPNWDh
- [Landlord Engagement Workgroup](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/landlord-engagement-workgroup/) - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9391307806?pwd=QndHL3BhaFdYM0hGcW1GV21sRmRBUT09
- [Lived Experience Committee](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/lived-experience-committee-2/) - The Lived Experience Committee is responsible for providing the consumers’ perspective to committees, workgroups and the Board.
- [Equity & Inclusion Committee](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/equity-inclusion-committee/) - The Equity & Inclusion Committee is responsible for developing and implementing plans and processes to assess if CoC policy and resource allocation decisions positively impact inequities among homeless individuals and families in the community. Meets quarterly on the 3rd Thursday at 11:00am To join meeting, use information below to connect via Microsoft Teams. Join on
- [Youth Workgroup](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/youth-workgroup/) - Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94260671864?pwd=ZmEzQWZiQUtWRzVxaW5WOU9EbXRsZz09 Meeting ID: 942 6067 1864 Passcode: 886093 One tap mobile +13126266799,,94260671864#,,,,*886093# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,94260671864#,,,,*886093# US (New York)
- [Chronic Homelessness Workgroup Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/chronic-homelessness-workgroup-meeting/) - The Chronic Homelessness Workgroup works to end homelessness for people experiencing chronic homelessness by recommending strategic policy changes and maintaining a by-name registry, as needed. Meets quarterly on the 4th Monday at 2:00pm. To join meeting, follow link to Microsoft Teams. Or call in (audio only) +1 704-672-5181,,790403602# United States, Charlotte Phone Conference ID:
- [Permanent Supportive Housing/Rapid Re-Housing Written Standards Regroup](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/permanent-supportive-housing-rapid-re-housing-written-standards-regroup/) - Permanent Supportive Housing/Rapid Re-Housing Written Standards Regroup May 20, 2021; 9:30am Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91650657493?pwd=Y1dHWFRLMXBKWG1kd3YxY2c1SG1HUT09 Meeting ID: 916 5065 7493 Passcode: 117942 One tap mobile +16465588656,,91650657493#,,,,*117942# US (New York) +13017158592,,91650657493#,,,,*117942# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1
- [Emergency Shelter Written Standards Feedback Session](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/emergency-shelter-written-standards-feedback-session/) - Emergency Shelter Written Standards Feedback Session May 18, 2021; 9:30am Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95012739645?pwd=QUJUKzRvdlgrSlg1UDhveG1RczVCQT09 Meeting ID: 950 1273 9645 Passcode: 318456 One tap mobile +13017158592,,95012739645#,,,,*318456# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,95012739645#,,,,*318456# US (Chicago)
- [DAC Special Meeting - NOFA Scorecard](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/dac-special-meeting-nofa-scorecard/) - DAC Special Meeting - NOFA Scorecard Mon, May 3, 2021 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (EDT) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/826869293 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (669) 224-3412 Access Code: 826-869-293
- [CoC Written Standards Community Feedback Session: Rapid Rehousing & Permanent Supportive Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/coc-written-standards-community-feedback-session-rapid-rehousing-permanent-supportive-housing/) - Thursday, April 15: 9:30am-11:00am Register to attend here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcpceGvqjgjE9D-Dvp9cLQQF5xVBTeGrn3d
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg CoC Full Membership Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/charlotte-mecklenburg-coc-full-membership-meeting/) - Wednesday, April 14, 2pm-3:30pm Register to attend here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwscuGprjIsHdDRrlimBgoLD_QP9_5uit73
- [CoC: 101](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/coc-101/) - An information session that will give an overview of the purpose and components of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg CoC Wednesday, April 7; 10am-12pm Register to attend here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqdeqpqTIoEt1suC-VZ82zgI3oQVjpxFo1
- [Continuum of Care Governing Board Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/continuum-of-care-governing-board-meeting-2/) - The Governing Board is the policy setting and decision-making body for the CoC, which is responsible to the CoC membership to fulfill its HUD-defined responsibilities as defined in the CoC Governance Charter. The Governing Board is responsible for planning; coordination of resources; and evaluation of results for the community. The Governing Board is empowered to
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care Governing Board Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/charlotte-mecklenburg-continuum-of-care-governing-board-meeting/) - The Governing Board is the policy setting and decision-making body for the CoC, which is responsible to the CoC membership to fulfill its HUD-defined responsibilities as defined in the CoC Governance Charter. The Governing Board is responsible for planning; coordination of resources; and evaluation of results for the community. The Governing Board is empowered to
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care Governing Board Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/charlotte-mecklenburg-continuum-of-care-governing-board-meeting-2/) - The Governing Board is the policy setting and decision-making body for the CoC, which is responsible to the CoC membership to fulfill its HUD-defined responsibilities as defined in the CoC Governance Charter. The Governing Board is responsible for planning; coordination of resources; and evaluation of results for the community. The Governing Board is empowered to
- [Homeless Families Workgroup](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/homeless-families-workgroup/) - The Homeless Families Workgroup works to implement strategies that are effective for homeless families. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/93950914204?pwd=NmRUMXVjeWZ2RnpWOFluRHUyd3BMUT09 Meeting ID: 939 5091 4204 Passcode: 735510 One tap mobile +16465588656,,93950914204#,,,,*735510# US (New York) +13017158592,,93950914204#,,,,*735510# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington
- [Lived Experience Committee](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/lived-experience-committee/) - The Lived Experience Committee is responsible for providing the consumers’ perspective to committees, workgroups and the Board.
- [Homeless Youth Workgroup](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/homeless-youth-workgroup/) - The Homeless Families Workgroup works to implement strategies that are effective for homeless youth.
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care Open Meeting for Receiving Feedback on Governance Charter](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/charlotte-mecklenburg-continuum-of-care-open-meeting-for-receiving-feedback-on-governance-charter/) - The Governing Board is the policy setting and decision-making body for the CoC, which is responsible to the CoC membership to fulfill its HUD-defined responsibilities as defined in the CoC Governance Charter. The Governing Board is responsible for planning; coordination of resources; and evaluation of results for the community. The Governing Board is empowered to
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care Special Full Membership Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/charlotte-mecklenburg-continuum-of-care-special-full-membership-meeting/) - The Governing Board is the policy setting and decision-making body for the CoC, which is responsible to the CoC membership to fulfill its HUD-defined responsibilities as defined in the CoC Governance Charter. The Governing Board is responsible for planning; coordination of resources; and evaluation of results for the community. The Governing Board is empowered to
- [Continuum of Care Governing Board Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/continuum-of-care-governing-board-meeting/) - The Governing Board is the policy setting and decision-making body for the CoC, which is responsible to the CoC membership to fulfill its HUD-defined responsibilities as defined in the CoC Governance Charter. The Governing Board is responsible for planning; coordination of resources; and evaluation of results for the community. The Governing Board is empowered to
- [Special CoC Board meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/special-coc-board-meeting/) - The purpose of this special Board meeting is to determine and vote to approve priorities for the ESG-CV2 funding. Charlotte-Mecklenburg CoC is able to apply for up to $3,458,041 in funding. These funds can be used for Housing Stability (Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention), Crisis Response (Street Outreach and Emergency Shelter) and HMIS. Public Comment:
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care Governing Board Special Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/charlotte-mecklenburg-continuum-of-care-governing-board-special-meeting/) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care Governing Board has called a special meeting for Thursday, 10/1/2020 at 2:00pm to review recommendations for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding competition from North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). Eligible activities for this funding include Crisis Response (emergency shelter & street outreach) and Housing Stability
- [Data Advisory HMIS Sub-committee](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/data-advisory-hmis-sub-committee/) - The purpose and goal of the HMIS sub-committee is to ensure that the governance, cost, and funding decisions related to HMIS are transparent and informed by and in alignment with community need. This sub-committee provides recommendations to the CoC NCHMIS Governance Committee members and CoC Governing Board on HMIS issues including project participation, policies and procedures for participant privacy, data security, data quality, HMIS governance, HMIS Lead Agency,
- [Full CoC Membership Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/full-coc-membership-meeting/) - The full CoC Membership meeting will take place virtually via GoToMeeting. Please note that only CoC members can vote on full-membership business conducted during the meeting. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/483339237 You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)
- [CoC Governing Board Special Meeting](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/coc-governing-board-special-meeting/) - The Governing Board is the policy setting and decision-making body for the CoC, which is responsible to the CoC membership to fulfill its HUD-defined responsibilities as defined in the CoC Governance Charter. The Governing Board is responsible for planning; coordination of resources; and evaluation of results for the community. The Governing Board is empowered to
- [CoC Home4Good Framework Workgroup](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/coc-home4good-framework-workgroup/) - The CoC Home4Good Framework Workgroup was formed as an ad hoc workgroup of the CoC Governing Board in order to oversee the implementation of the Home4Good Framework, a housing and economic recovery response to COVID-19. To join meeting, use information below to connect via GoToMeeting. https://www.gotomeet.me/ErinNixon6 United States: +1 (571) 317-3112 Access Code: 899-812-581 Link
- [Membership-Nominating Committee](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/membership-nominating-committee/) - The Membership-Nominating Committee is responsible for developing processes for outreach, engagement and recruitment of diverse and knowledgeable CoC members, committee and workgroup members and CoC Board members. To join meeting, use information below to connect via GoToMeeting. https://www.gotomeet.me/ErinNixon6 United States: +1 (571) 317-3112 - One-touch: tel:+15713173112,,899812581# Access Code: 899-812-581 Link to meeting agenda and materials.
- [Persons with Criminal Histories Workgroup](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/events/persons-with-criminal-histories-workgroup/) - The Persons with Criminal Histories Workgroup finds ways to overcome the challenges to housing faced by this population. To join meeting, use information below to connect via GoToMeeting. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/794519141 United States: +1 (571) 317-3122 - One-touch: tel:+15713173122,,794519141# Access Code: 794-519-141 Link to meeting agenda and materials.

## Portfolio Items

- [Single Portfolio: 2/3 Slider](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/portfolio-item/slider-two-third/) - Excerpt goes here!
- [Single Portfolio: 2/3 Gallery](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/portfolio-item/lorem-ipsum/) - wind/earth
- [Single Portfolio: Big Slider](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/portfolio-item/portfolio-big/) - fire/water
- [Single Portfolio: Fullscreen Slider](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/portfolio-item/vimeo-video/) - Add what you want!

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Frontpage Article](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/category/frontpage-article/)
- [Images](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/category/blog/images/)
- [Blog](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/category/blog/)
- [Story](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/category/story/)
- [Progress](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/category/progress/)
- [CoC](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/category/coc/)

## Tags

- [Point-in-Time Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/point-in-time-count/)
- [Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/housing/)
- [Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/homelessness/)
- [Homeless](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/homeless/)
- [technology](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/technology/)
- [volunteer](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/volunteer/)
- [Housing Instability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/housing-instability/)
- [Underemployment](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/underemployment/)
- [Unemployment](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/unemployment/)
- [Involuntary part-time work](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/involuntary-part-time-work/)
- [affordable housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/affordable-housing/)
- [NC ID](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/nc-id/)
- [identity](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/identity/)
- [shelter](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/shelter/)
- [Transitional Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/transitional-housing/)
- [Housing Inventory Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/housing-inventory-count/)
- [Capacity](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/capacity/)
- [Permanent Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/permanent-housing/)
- [NIMBY](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/nimby/)
- [Evictions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/evictions/)
- [Court](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/court/)
- [Prevention](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/prevention/)
- [Summary Ejectment](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/summary-ejectment/)
- [Writ of Possession](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/writ-of-possession/)
- [Mapping](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/mapping/)
- [Quality of Life Explorer](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/quality-of-life-explorer/)
- [Domestic Violence](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/domestic-violence/)
- [Families](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/families/)
- [Street Outreach](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/street-outreach/)
- [Urban Ministry Center](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/urban-ministry-center/)
- [Supportive Housing Communities](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/supportive-housing-communities/)
- [Fair Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/fair-housing/)
- [Racial Segregation](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/racial-segregation/)
- [Urban Planning](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/urban-planning/)
- [Discrimination](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/discrimination/)
- [Health](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/health/)
- [Health Care](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/health-care/)
- [Social Determinants of Health](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/social-determinants-of-health/)
- [emergency room](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/emergency-room/)
- [Hospitals](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/hospitals/)
- [Library](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/library/)
- [Survey](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/survey/)
- [Charlotte](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/charlotte/)
- [Uptown](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/uptown/)
- [Renovations](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/renovations/)
- [Mecklenburg County](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/mecklenburg-county/)
- [formal evictions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/formal-evictions/)
- [tenants](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/tenants/)
- [landlords](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/landlords/)
- [Economic Mobility](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/economic-mobility/)
- [Advocacy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/advocacy/)
- [Political Will](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/political-will/)
- [Market Value Analysis](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/market-value-analysis/)
- [Eviction](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/eviction/)
- [Gentrification](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/gentrification/)
- [Affordable Housing. Reinvestment](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/affordable-housing-reinvestment/)
- [Out of Reach](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/out-of-reach/)
- [Rent](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/rent/)
- [Wages](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/wages/)
- [Low-wage jobs](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/low-wage-jobs/)
- [upgrading](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/upgrading/)
- [employment](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/employment/)
- [Housing Stock](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/housing-stock/)
- [Low Income](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/low-income/)
- [State of the Nation's Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/state-of-the-nations-housing/)
- [subsidies](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/subsidies/)
- [PIT Count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/pit-count/)
- [count](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/count/)
- [barriers to housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/barriers-to-housing/)
- [Intersection](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/intersection/)
- [HUD](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/hud/)
- [McKinney-Vento](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/mckinney-vento/)
- [definition](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/definition/)
- [family](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/family/)
- [education](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/education/)
- [Point-in-Time](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/point-in-time/)
- [Rental](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/rental/)
- [Stability](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/stability/)
- [Solutions](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/solutions/)
- [Continuum of Care](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/continuum-of-care/)
- [CoC](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/coc/)
- [Coordinated Entry](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/coordinated-entry/)
- [Charlotte-Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/charlotte-mecklenburg/)
- [Resources](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/resources/)
- [2-1-1](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/2-1-1/)
- [United Way](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/united-way/)
- [City of Charlotte](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/city-of-charlotte/)
- [Prioritization](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/prioritization/)
- [Housing First](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/housing-first/)
- [Solution-Focused](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/solution-focused/)
- [January](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/january/)
- [EverybodyCountsCLT](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/everybodycountsclt/)
- [Affordable](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/affordable/)
- [PIT](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/pit/)
- [Counting Us](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/counting-us/)
- [weather](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/weather/)
- [unsheltered homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/unsheltered-homelessness/)
- [afforable housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/afforable-housing/)
- [A Child's Place](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/a-childs-place/)
- [Data](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/data/)
- [Alignment](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/alignment/)
- [Systems Change](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/systems-change/)
- [Funders](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/funders/)
- [Chronic Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/chronic-homelessness/)
- [Veteran Homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/veteran-homelessness/)
- [Inflow](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/inflow/)
- [Outflow](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/outflow/)
- [Dashboard](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/dashboard/)
- [Community Support Services](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/community-support-services/)
- [USICH](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/usich/)
- [Funding](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/funding/)
- [Strategy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/strategy/)
- [Lotus](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/lotus/)
- [Developer](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/developer/)
- [Emergency Shelter](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/emergency-shelter/)
- [Assessment](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/assessment/)
- [Optimization](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/optimization/)
- [Landlord](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/landlord/)
- [Public](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/public/)
- [Private](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/private/)
- [Inventory](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/inventory/)
- [Socialserve](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/socialserve/)
- [Mecklenburg](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/mecklenburg/)
- [Progress](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/progress/)
- [End and prevent](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/end-and-prevent/)
- [By-Name List](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/by-name-list/)
- [Chronic](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/chronic/)
- [Veteran](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/veteran/)
- [One Number](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/one-number/)
- [Youth](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/youth/)
- [Diversion](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/diversion/)
- [Racial equity](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/racial-equity/)
- [analysis](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/analysis/)
- [ethnicity](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ethnicity/)
- [race](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/race/)
- [System](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/system/)
- [HEARTH](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/hearth/)
- [System Performance Measures](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/system-performance-measures/)
- [Quality](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/quality/)
- [Training](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/training/)
- [Entry](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/entry/)
- [HMIS](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/hmis/)
- [Keeping Families Together](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/keeping-families-together/)
- [KFT](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/kft/)
- [Child Welfare](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/child-welfare/)
- [Supportive Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/supportive-housing/)
- [Data Quality](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/data-quality/)
- [Data Completeness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/data-completeness/)
- [Governance](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/governance/)
- [Community](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/community/)
- [Engagement](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/engagement/)
- [Ecosystem](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ecosystem/)
- [Temporary Housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/temporary-housing/)
- [system change](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/system-change/)
- [Report](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/report/)
- [Built for Zero](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/built-for-zero/)
- [Snapshot](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/snapshot/)
- [Veterans](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/veterans/)
- [Ecosyste](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ecosyste/)
- [Research](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/research/)
- [Charter](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/charter/)
- [City](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/city/)
- [County](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/county/)
- [Community Engagement](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/community-engagement/)
- [volunteers](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/volunteers/)
- [Board](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/board/)
- [Frames](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/frames/)
- [Tenant](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/tenant/)
- [Bill of Rights](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/bill-of-rights/)
- [Change](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/change/)
- [singles](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/singles/)
- [children](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/children/)
- [transition](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/transition/)
- [app](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/app/)
- [Student homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/student-homelessness/)
- [CMS](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/cms/)
- [schools](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/schools/)
- [Rental Unit](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/rental-unit/)
- [Gap](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/gap/)
- [AMI](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ami/)
- [Performance](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/performance/)
- [Metrics](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/metrics/)
- [Evaluation](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/evaluation/)
- [COVID-19](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/covid-19/)
- [Coronavirus](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/coronavirus/)
- [CSS](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/css/)
- [Coron](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/coron/)
- [HPRP](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/hprp/)
- [FEMA](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/fema/)
- [CARES Act](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/cares-act/)
- [Hotels](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/hotels/)
- [systemic](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/systemic/)
- [structural](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/structural/)
- [communication](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/communication/)
- [information](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/information/)
- [Hub](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/hub/)
- [Telecommunication](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/telecommunication/)
- [Telehealth](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/telehealth/)
- [Gensler](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/gensler/)
- [permanent](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/permanent/)
- [planning](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/planning/)
- [systems](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/systems/)
- [COVID19](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/covid19/)
- [Framework](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/framework/)
- [economic](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/economic/)
- [sheltered homelessness](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/sheltered-homelessness/)
- [Community Support Service](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/community-support-service/)
- [website](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/website/)
- [ESG](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/esg/)
- [NCDHHS](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ncdhhs/)
- [Child](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/child/)
- [ISC](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/isc/)
- [UNC Charlotte](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/unc-charlotte/)
- [Urban Institute](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/urban-institute/)
- [UNCC](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/uncc/)
- [Student](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/student/)
- [DSS](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/dss/)
- [integrated data](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/integrated-data/)
- [linked data](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/linked-data/)
- [AISP](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/aisp/)
- [Email](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/email/)
- [UNCC UI](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/uncc-ui/)
- [Reading](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/reading/)
- [Planning Grant](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/planning-grant/)
- [ROI](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/roi/)
- [Faster Glass](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/faster-glass/)
- [Appreciative Inquiry](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/appreciative-inquiry/)
- [Design Thinking](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/design-thinking/)
- [Membership](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/membership/)
- [LOI](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/loi/)
- [Home4Good](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/home4good/)
- [Plan](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/plan/)
- [Outcomes](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/outcomes/)
- [Launch Upstream](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/launch-upstream/)
- [Evaluate Upstream](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/evaluate-upstream/)
- [Single Adult](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/single-adult/)
- [UNC Charlotte Urban Institute](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/unc-charlotte-urban-institute/)
- [Relief Bill](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/relief-bill/)
- [ERA](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/era/)
- [emergency rental assistance](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/emergency-rental-assistance/)
- [equity](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/equity/)
- [American Rescue Plan](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/american-rescue-plan/)
- [comprehensive](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/comprehensive/)
- [American Jobs Plan](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/american-jobs-plan/)
- [Charlotte Center City Partners](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/charlotte-center-city-partners/)
- [McKinsey & Company](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/mckinsey-company/)
- [Bank of America](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/bank-of-america/)
- [Atrium Health](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/atrium-health/)
- [blueprint](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/blueprint/)
- [charlotte mecklenburg housing and homelessness strategy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/charlotte-mecklenburg-housing-and-homelessness-strategy/)
- [solution](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/solution/)
- [Investment](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/investment/)
- [Comprehensive plan](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/comprehensive-plan/)
- [Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/charlotte-mecklenburg-housing-homelessness-strategy/)
- [strategic plan](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/strategic-plan/)
- [CMHHS](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/cmhhs/)
- [mckinsey](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/mckinsey/)
- [Charmeck Housing Strategy](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/charmeck-housing-strategy/)
- [NOAH](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/noah/)
- [supportive services](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/supportive-services/)
- [public housing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/public-housing/)
- [Atrium](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/atrium/)
- [myths](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/myths/)
- [NOFO](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/nofo/)
- [NOFA](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/nofa/)
- [continuum](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/continuum/)
- [SoHIH](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/sohih/)
- [UI](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ui/)
- [housing continuum](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/housing-continuum/)
- [Mecklenburg County Community Support Services](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/mecklenburg-county-community-support-services/)
- [hidden homeless](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/hidden-homeless/)
- [The Relatives](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/the-relatives/)
- [A Home for All](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/a-home-for-all/)
- [Strategic Framework](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/strategic-framework/)
- [housing instablity](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/housing-instablity/)
- [ahomeforall](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ahomeforall/)
- [ahomeforallmeck](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ahomeforallmeck/)
- [arpa](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/arpa/)
- [covid](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/covid/)
- [AHFA Framework](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ahfa-framework/)
- [AHFA](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ahfa/)
- [home4all](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/home4all/)
- [Coordinated Funding Alignment](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/coordinated-funding-alignment/)
- [Bowie](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/bowie/)
- [ahome4all](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ahome4all/)
- [supply](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/supply/)
- [demand](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/demand/)
- [trends](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/trends/)
- [YWCA](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/ywca/)
- [Grounds for Change](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/grounds-for-change/)
- [A Home 4 All](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/a-home-4-all/)
- [United Way of Central Carolinas](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/united-way-of-central-carolinas/)
- [CCCP](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/cccp/)
- [Roof Above](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tag/roof-above/)

## Tier 1 Criteria

- [Policy Advocacy, Education and Awareness Building](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier1/policy-advocacy/)
- [Coalition Building](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier1/coalition-building/)
- [Analyze, Influence and Inform Prevention Funding Strategies](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier1/analyze-influence/)

## Tier 2 Criteria

- [Land Banking](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier2/land-banking/)
- [Affordable Housing Preservation and Development](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier2/affordable-housing/)
- [Eviction Mitigation](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier2/eviction-mitigation/)

## Tier 3 Criteria

- [Non-Housing Crisis Funding](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier3/non-housing-crisis-funding/)
- [Rent Assistance / Foreclosure Prevention](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier3/rent-assistance-foreclosure-prevention/)
- [Education / Financial Counseling](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier3/education-financial-counseling/)
- [Tenant Education / Organizing](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier3/tenant-education-organizing/)
- [Legal Representation / Mediation](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier3/legal-representation-mediation/)
- [Critical Home Repair](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier3/critical-home-repair/)
- [Supportive Services](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier3/supportive-services/)
- [Funding for Prevention Direct Services](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier3/funding-for-prevention-direct-services/)
- [Affordable Housing for Special Populations](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/tier3/affordable-housing-for-special-populations/)

## Categories

- [Governing Board](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/mec-category/governing-board/)
- [CoC Committees](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/mec-category/coordinated-entry/)
- [CoC Workgroups](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/mec-category/coc-workgroups/)
- [CoC Full Membership](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/mec-category/coc-full-membership/)

## Portfolio Categories

- [CSS](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/portfolio_entries/css/)
- [HTML](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/portfolio_entries/html/)
- [Photography](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/portfolio_entries/photography/)
- [PSD](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/portfolio_entries/psd/)
- [VIDEO](https://mecklenburghousingdata.org/portfolio_entries/video/)