CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners kicked off its annual retreat Wednesday. Leaders said some top priorities for 2024 are affordable housing and anti-displacement strategies.
But combating homelessness is a multi-faceted, complicated issue.
The county and city have several programs that aim to prevent people from ending up on the street. County leaders and staff members said some programs have seen great success and others have room for improvement.
Commissioner Mark Jerrell said one program driving results is the initiative to preserve naturally occurring affordable housing, which are called NOAH properties.
Char-Meck has invested in six NOAH projects since 2020, preserving more than 1,000 units that are naturally priced below market rate.
County leaders say so far, 48 families have moved from homeless shelters to NOAH units.
"We’re seeing some great results particularly as it relates to wrap-around services and different supports for residents," Jerrell told WCNC Charlotte.
Another success has been the county’s Critical Home Repair program, which fixes up houses so homeowners can age in place. The county helped fund nearly 60 repairs in fiscal year 2023.
Criminal Justice Services is also helping people find housing when they get out of jail. County staff members showed research that each year the program has increased the number of formerly incarcerated people who get into housing.
However, they've found that more people in the program are struggling to build on that help and stay on their feet.
"We are providing unprecedented levels of investment, much more than in other parts of the country but certainly not enough," Jerrell said.
The commissioner hopes this year, the county will continue working with nonprofits to improve re-entry programs. Jerrell also wants to see more investment in naturally occurring affordable housing.
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