Raleigh confronts housing crisis amid rising homelessness and severe affordability issues

The Raleigh City Council held a work session on April 15, 2025, focusing on the pressing issue of affordable housing and homelessness in the community. The meeting highlighted the complex nature of the affordable housing crisis, driven by market shifts, population growth, and a significant shortage of affordable housing options.

Council members discussed alarming statistics, revealing that approximately 1,500 individuals are experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Wake County, with over 80 camps identified within city limits. Additionally, 27,000 low-income households are burdened by housing costs, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. The council noted a critical shortage of around 60,000 affordable housing units in the county.

A key point of discussion was the discrepancy between the number of unsheltered individuals and the 6,000 unhoused children reported by Wake County Schools. The council clarified that the 1,500 figure is based on the annual point-in-time count mandated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which focuses on individuals literally homeless, while the school system's count includes those at risk of homelessness.

Despite progress in creating affordable housing units, the council acknowledged that much work remains to meet the growing demand. The discussion emphasized that homelessness is fundamentally a housing issue, with research indicating that for every $100 increase in rent, homelessness rises by 9%. The council stressed the need for sustainable housing solutions rather than temporary measures that often prove more costly.

The meeting also addressed the financial implications of homelessness, noting that unsheltered homelessness has doubled in recent years, leading to increased costs for the city. The Raleigh Parks Department and the North Carolina Department of Transportation reported spending over $200,000 annually on cleaning up homeless camps, funds that do not contribute to permanent solutions. Comparatively, the cost of providing housing and support services is significantly lower, estimated at $24,000 to $36,000 per person per year.

The council concluded that addressing the affordable housing crisis is crucial not only for the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness but also for the overall health of the community. The discussions underscored the importance of a coordinated response to create sustainable housing solutions and alleviate the burden on local emergency services. The council plans to continue exploring strategies to tackle this urgent issue in future meetings.