Wake County recognizes leaders in homelessness services during COC transition ceremony

In a recent Wake County government meeting, officials recognized key agencies and leaders for their contributions to the community's Continuum of Care (CoC) system, which addresses homelessness. Deputy Manager Dwayne Holder highlighted the significant progress made since the termination of the Raleigh-Wake Partnership as the lead agency in May 2023, a decision that had created uncertainty regarding critical HUD funding for homelessness services.

Holder expressed optimism about the future, crediting the community's resilience and collaboration during a challenging transition period. Newly appointed CoC Director Aileen Rosa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in navigating the complexities of homelessness services. She acknowledged three organizations—Haven House Services, Oak City Cares, and Urban Ministries of Wake County—for their exceptional support during the transition.

Haven House Services was recognized for its work with youth and young adults, including street outreach and transitional housing. Oak City Cares provided essential services such as meals and coordinated care programs, while Urban Ministries offered food, healthcare, and shelter, playing a crucial role in managing data for federal reporting.

The meeting also honored individuals like Steven Gruver and Nicole Stewart for their leadership roles within the CoC governance board, underscoring the importance of dedicated leadership in addressing homelessness.

Commissioners expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of these organizations, emphasizing that partnerships are vital to creating a thriving community where all residents have access to necessary services. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing housing needs as part of Wake County's strategic plan.

As Wake County moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that experiences of homelessness are rare, brief, and nonrecurring, reflecting a collective responsibility to support the most vulnerable citizens in the community.