Wake County announces low‑barrier shelter and target to reduce unsheltered homelessness

Commissioner Vicki Adamson told attendees at the Wake County State of the County event that homelessness in the county has risen and the board has moved to create a new, low‑barrier shelter to expand access to housing and services. "Our estimates show that on any given night in Wake County, more than 1,200 people experience homelessness," Adamson said, adding that figure represents a 27% increase from last year.

Adamson described the county's plan to renovate 2nd Street Place into a nearly 100‑bed, year‑round shelter with low‑barrier entry (no background checks or proof of sobriety) and onsite supports including counseling, case management, ADA‑accessible restrooms and a food distribution hub. The board selected the Bryant Center to oversee daily operations, and county officials expect renovations to begin next spring with work aimed to be finished in time for the colder months. Adamson tied the shelter to a broader strategic plan that seeks to reduce unsheltered homelessness by 10% by 2029.

The commissioner urged community support for foster and respite care and listed ways residents can help, including fostering, providing respite care or sponsoring outreach. She noted the shelter is one element of a multi‑pronged strategy that pairs housing access with social supports.

Next steps and caveats: the announcement identifies the Bryant Center as operator and a construction timeline, but the transcript did not record a formal board vote on renovation contracts or line‑item budget motions at the event. Project implementation will require procurement, construction plans and any necessary permitting.