Housing Collaborative

A key represents so much more than a way inside.

This fall during our Turn the Key campaign, we're setting out to help more individuals and families overcome the barriers standing between them and housing. Every contribution helps support the work that happens before someone gets the keys to their new home, from navigating available housing to removing financial barriers and coordinating the move-in process.

Help us Turn the Key for more of our neighbors. Make a gift today at bit.ly/hocogivenow.

The latest One Number data offers an important look at homelessness across Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

As of August 31, 2,604 people across 2,081 households were experiencing homelessness in our community. While the data shows continued challenges, including more people entering homelessness than exiting, it also points to progress, with the median time it takes to move from homelessness into housing dropping significantly.

These numbers help us understand not only the scale of the need, but where continued collaboration, investment, and housing solutions can make a difference.

Read the full August One Number update from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation's Building Bridges Blog:

One Number Update: August 2026 Since its inception in 2019 , the “One Number” has served as the primary benchmark for the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

A new home brings comfort, stability, and a fresh start for the whole family.

We recently checked in with Kennedy after moving into her new home, and she shared that working with Elondra was a great experience, describing her as “very sweet” and expressing appreciation for the extra support she received, including a bed referral for her children.

“Thank you all for the Welcome Package. I really appreciate all of the help!” she said.

We’re grateful to be part of moments like these and to help families feel supported as they settle into their new homes.

Throughout the month of August, members of our team were able to assist 33 households secure housing across the state of North Carolina.

That number represents a total of 76 individuals, including 40 adults and 36 children, who entered safe and stable housing during the month of August with help from our team.

We also worked to coordinate a total of 174 inspections, ensuring homes were safe and ready for families to move in!

We recently caught up with Charlie and his wife, who have been in their new home for over a month now. For Charlie, having a place of their own has brought much-needed relief and the chance to focus on everything else falling into place.

“I really love my new place; I absolutely love it. This was a stress that I no longer have to worry about,” Charlie shared. “Working with Nicole was very, very good; she was able to help me out a lot.”

After previously living in a costly sober living home and then temporarily staying with family, Charlie said the biggest hurdle was simply getting started with deposits and move-in costs.

“I can maintain the rent; I just needed help getting started. I have been maintaining my same job as well for two years now. You guys don’t know how much you have helped. I am so grateful.”

There’s been even more to celebrate since the move: Charlie and his fiancée got married on July 6, celebrated with a reception later that month and were able to replace their car after it broke down during their move.

We’re so happy to see Charlie and his wife enjoying a home of their own and celebrating so many meaningful milestones together. Wishing them peace and happiness as they enjoy this new chapter!

Help us celebrate two years with Aujia, one of our Housing Recruitment Specialists!

Aujia joined the team in September 2024, and we’re so grateful for the care, adaptability, and heart she brings to her work each day.

Get to know Aujia a little better:

🏠 What inspires you in your daily work?
The ability to help and how our help affects and changes the lives of the clients who actually want and appreciate it. Sometimes when we’re dropping off welcome bags, we get to see clients who are excited about their new homes and truly grateful to be in different situations; those moments really make my heart smile.

🏠 Favorite hobby?
I love performing private mini concerts at home with my toddler as my background dancer!

🏠 A skill you’d like to keep building?
Adaptability and the ability to pivot, along with critical thinking.

Happy two years, Aujia! We’re lucky to have you on the team!

The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Out of Reach 2026 report showed that 87% of extremely low-income renter households spend more than 30% of their income on housing, and 74% spend more than half of their income on housing.

The report offers a clear example: a family of four living at the federal poverty line would need to spend approximately 66% of its monthly income on a modest two-bedroom rental home. After rent, the family would have only $944 remaining for every other expense, less than the report’s estimated basic monthly food budget of $1,002.

Read more about the choices renters are being forced to make: https://nlihc.org/oor

After more than a month in his new home, we checked in with Bennett to see how he’s settling in and hear about his experience working with our team.

“I feel like it only took the team one day to find me a place, and it’s a place that I really like,” Bennett shared about working with Victoria. He also expressed how much he appreciated the Welcome Package and the support he received throughout the housing process.

We’re thrilled that Bennett has found a place he enjoys calling home. Wishing him continued comfort, stability and plenty of great days ahead!

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Out of Reach 2026 report, the average Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom home in North Carolina is $1,410 per month.

Based on the average renter wage in the state, a renter can afford approximately $1,157 per month without spending more than 30% of their income on housing. That creates an average gap of $253 every month, or more than $3,000 per year.

For many households, that difference must come from money needed for groceries, transportation, childcare, healthcare and other essentials.

Dig into the report’s state-by-state rental affordability data: https://nlihc.org/oor

A month into her new home, Daniella shared an update with us about how things are going and the support she received throughout the housing process.

“Working with Te’ana was great; she was very fast and responsive,” she said. “She was always available to answer my questions and I really liked working with her.”

It’s wonderful to know Daniella had a positive experience and is settling into her new place. We’re wishing her all the best in this next chapter!