Homelessness in North Carolina: A Rapidly Developing Crisis
Since 2013, North Carolina has doubled-down on a failed homelessness alleviation strategy known as Housing First—programs that prioritize long-term, taxpayer-subsidized housing over programs that help people achieve sobriety, mental wellness, and independence. At the same time, the state has eliminated two-thirds of its transitional housing capacity.
The results have been a disaster.
![](https://ciceroinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NC-homelessness_41-percent-increase.png)
![](https://ciceroinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NC-homelessness_two-thirds.png)
![](https://ciceroinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NC-homelessness_doubled.png)
THE SOLUTION
![](https://ciceroinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NC-homelessness_solution.png)
WHY IT MATTERS
Due to the failed policies of Housing First, North Carolina’s homeless numbers are increasing rapidly, and those who need services most are facing an artificial scarcity of resources.
![](https://ciceroinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/homeless-sleeping-on-bench.png)
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Housed and unhoused North Carolinians alike need outcomes-based solutions to the homelessness crisis that improve public safety and encourage human flourishing.
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