Durham County officials are grappling with a significant homelessness crisis, as highlighted in the recent Joint City-County Committee Meeting held on December 10, 2024. The discussions revealed a complex web of factors contributing to homelessness, including rising rental costs, insufficient affordable housing, and the need for enhanced support services.

One of the most pressing issues raised was the lack of affordable housing options for low-income residents. A speaker emphasized that individuals on fixed incomes, such as those receiving Social Security, struggle to find rental accommodations within their budget. With rental prices for even a single bedroom ranging from $600 to $800, many are left without viable options. The current affordable housing framework, which targets those earning 30% of the area median income (AMI), fails to address the needs of those earning even less, highlighting a critical gap in the system.

The meeting also addressed the current state of emergency shelter beds in Durham. Pre-pandemic, the county had 80 beds for homeless men and 30 for women, but these numbers have drastically decreased. Currently, there are only 62 beds for men and 15 for women, with a total of just 29 family rooms available. This reduction is attributed to new bed sizes that comply with updated accessibility standards, which have taken up more space and limited the overall capacity.

Financial constraints were a recurring theme, with officials noting that an additional $200,000 could help divert or rapidly exit 233 households from homelessness. However, the current funding is insufficient, leaving many families and individuals without the necessary support. The waitlist for rapid rehousing continues to grow, with 87 individuals currently awaiting placement.

The committee acknowledged the need for a cohesive approach to address these challenges, particularly as the demand for services continues to rise. As the meeting concluded, officials recognized the urgency of expanding shelter capacity and increasing funding for supportive services to better serve the community's most vulnerable populations. The discussions underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle homelessness in Durham County, with a clear call for action to bridge the existing gaps in housing and support systems.