In an effort to address the escalating homelessness crisis in North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein inked Executive Order 25 today, reigniting the Interagency Council for Coordinating Homelessness Programs (ICCHP). The council plans to tackle the issue by better coordinating the public, private, and non-profit sectors involved in service provision and advocacy. With home costs soaring, Stein sees the development of affordable housing as a necessary step for the state's growth, stating the Governor's Office's press release that, "All of us benefit when people have a safe place to call home."
Prior to Hurricane Helene devastating parts of the state, around 6,600 individuals were without permanent shelter in the impacted counties. These numbers have since increased, due to the disaster's repercussions. The newly reformed council, which previously was first established during the Cooper administration, will bring a focused approach on Helene recovery efforts. Aiming to assist more citizens in finding secure, affordable living spaces, according to Karen Wade, co-chair and Policy Director at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, this endeavor is to ensure "people receive the care they need in their journey to secure housing and live a healthy life," as per the Governor's Office.
The alarming data indicating more than 11,500 state residents faced homelessness in 2024 underscores the urgency of the situation. The increase represents a staggering 19 percent rise from the year before, including over 3,200 families with children, more than 500 homeless youth on their own, and close to 700 veterans. Jessica Slider Whichard of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, when discussing the specific plight of homeless veterans, noted the importance of the state maintaining its status as an accommodating environment for veterans and service members. She looks forward, as mentioned in the Governor's Office's press release, "to co-chairing this council, working to end veteran homelessness."
Enhancing the development of various housing types across income levels is central to Governor Stein's mission. His proposed 2025-2027 state budget earmarks $35 million annually for the Housing Trust Fund. Focused on sustaining populations in need, these funds are earmarked for low-income families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, along with backing the Workforce Housing Loan Program anticipated to stimulate construction and repair of affordable housing options. As the housing crisis deepens, the actions of the ICCHP and the Governor's budget proposals signal a robust commitment to tackling the pressing issue of homelessness in North Carolina head-on.
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