As of April 30, 2025, Mecklenburg County’s One Number benchmark recorded 2,415 men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The annual Point in Time Count conducted on January 22, 2025, revealed a notable increase in the number of unsheltered homeless individuals, highlighting a growing need for services amid shrinking resources.
The unsheltered count during the Point in Time Count focuses on those living in areas not intended for human habitation such as streets, cars, parks, and encampments. Over 200 volunteers and police officers canvassed Mecklenburg County to identify and engage with these individuals while gathering HUD-required demographic information.
The survey found that 444 people across 421 households were experiencing unsheltered homelessness on the night of the count—an increase of about 16%. This includes four households with minor children, marking the highest number of such households counted to date. Of these individuals, 116 were newly identified this year. The current figure represents the highest unsheltered count since 2010 and more than double the pre-pandemic numbers from 2020.
Thirty-three emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and safe havens participated in the sheltered homelessness count. The survey reported that 1,320 households totaling 1,657 persons were experiencing sheltered homelessness—a decrease of about 3.2% from last year due to fewer available shelter beds. Among these households were 308 children under the age of 18.
The Point-in-Time Count is coordinated nationally by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each January to gather data on homelessness across the United States. It aims to estimate how many people are experiencing homelessness while understanding their demographics and living situations. Locally coordinated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care alongside Mecklenburg County Community Support Services’ Housing Innovation and Stabilization Services Division and Hearts for the Invisible Coalition Charlotte led this year’s effort.
Individuals can contribute by donating food or clothing, volunteering at shelters or food banks, supporting nonprofits assisting homeless populations or backing government strategies for affordable housing solutions.
In its FY2026 budget approved on June 3rd, Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners addressed homelessness with funding allocated as follows:
– $1.1 million for operating costs at Forest Point Place permanent supportive housing for seniors.
– $464,000 for housing placement/navigation support along with subsidies under Keeping Families Together.
– $14.3 million directed towards over twenty nonprofit organizations addressing homelessness/housing issues including Legal Aid N.C., Salvation Army among others.
– $12.5 million supporting sixteen organizations focusing on mental/behavioral health priorities like Anuvia Prevention & Recovery Center etc.
– $2.6 million allocated towards Crisis Assistance Ministry.
“The Board is committed to addressing the ongoing issue of homelessness in our community,” stated Mark Jerrell—Chairman of Mecklenburg Board Of County Commissioners—adding that “The resources in new fiscal year budget show our commitment to help as many unhoused residents as possible.”
Further details regarding housing status within Charlotte-Mecklenburg can be accessed via Housing And Homelessness Dashboard online platform.
