Wake County is taking a major step toward addressing homelessness with the establishment of Second Street Place, a new low-barrier shelter designed to welcome all those in need without prerequisite demands for proof of sobriety or a clean record; the county has chosen The Bryant Center to handle operations at the facility. This approach strips away the red tape that so often binds the hands of the most vulnerable, providing a sanctuary where necessities are within reach and where everyone has the chance to turn a new leaf.
Located at 5010 Second Street in Raleigh, the shelter opened temporarily in January 2025, during the White Flag season to offer emergency cover against the biting cold, The Bryant Center, led by Vance Haywood, took charge of day-to-day operations in this critical time, guiding the shelter through its early days. "The Bryant Center's proven dedication to serving vulnerable populations makes them the perfect choice to lead operations at Second Street Place," said Vickie Adamson with the Wake County Board of Commissioners, the partnership between the county and The Bryant Center ensures that those who enter Second Street Place are met not just with a roof but a doorway to potential, as per the Wake County's announcement.
It's not just about immediate shelter, either. Wake County is intent on knitting Second Street Place into its overall homelessness strategy which includes the Bridge to Home Housing program. This means guests benefit from coordinated case management and access to services like employment resources, health care, and transportation from day one; it’s a step from surviving to thriving as the county aims to cut unsheltered homelessness by 10% come 2029.
There's more on the horizon for Second Street Place as shelter programming is set to be temporarily shifted to allow for large-scale renovations aimed at making the facility a modern, year-round beacon of hope, plans include separate staff and guest entrances, an upgraded security station complete with video monitoring, and private spaces for counseling and support services. According to Wake County's announcement, the design work for the renovations should be finished by September 2025, with construction flagging off in Spring 2026, the shelter is expected to reopen just as the chill of November 2026 sets in, as if tuned to the rhythm of need.
Vance E. Haywood, executive director at The Bryant Center, expresses gratitude for their ongoing collaboration with Wake County. "We are honored to continue serving the residents at Second Street Place and grateful for Wake County’s partnership,” Haywood said.
