Raleigh approves immediate help for those at risk of homelessness
COVID relief funds will help keep a roof overhead for families in Raleigh who suddenly find themselves out on the streets or who are on the brink of becoming homeless.
Posted — UpdatedThe goal of this new emergency assistance program is to help at least 145 people who are in an immediate housing emergency.
On Tuesday afternoon, Raleigh City Council unanimously approved $525,000 for the diversion program.
Two nonprofits will split that money. Passage Home and Triangle Family Services will use the funding to find temporary housing for people who are homeless or on the verge of losing their housing. It could be used to foot the bill for a hotel stay or help pay rent for them to live with relatives for a few months.
"Once they're homeless, their focus every day is so short term – 'How do I find a place to sleep?' They can’t focus on the bigger picture," said Seth Friedman, CEO of Passage Home. "This will take that off their plate and allow us to at least get a month, two months, three months where we can secure housing while we – together – work with the client to form a longer plan for longer self-sufficiency."
Friedman said it used to take 45 days to find permanent housing for someone, but it is now taking 120 days due to the shortage of affordable housing in Raleigh.
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