The 2024 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness (SoHIH) Report for Mecklenburg County highlights an increase in homelessness and a significant shortage of affordable housing. Released by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, the report details the challenges faced by residents, including those in substandard housing or without shelter.
According to the Mecklenburg County release, the report shows a troubling decline in low-cost rentals, which now make up only 8% of the housing stock, down from 45% in 2011. There is a reported shortage of 27,693 rental units affordable for those earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Rent burdens continue to impact low- and moderate-income residents, with 61% of renters earning less than $75,000 annually facing cost burdens. The report also notes a 37% increase in eviction filings from the previous year, putting 13,000 households at risk of losing their homes. In addition, homelessness has increased by 3% from 2023, with 2,784 individuals without homes as of June 2024.
The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness has risen by 33% compared to the previous year. According to the 2024 Point-in-Time count data, while some individuals exit homelessness more quickly, others remain in shelters for extended periods. "The average length of time that people spent in emergency shelter and safe haven increased by seven days from FY22 to FY23," the report states. However, the median stay in these facilities has decreased by 19% since FY19.
The report aims to guide decisions on resource allocation and the development of solutions to address the housing needs of Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents.
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