Housing Instability Deepens in Mecklenburg County

The newly released 2024 State of Housing Instability and Homelessness (SoHIH) report paints a stark picture of the deepening housing crisis in Mecklenburg County, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support. The report, produced by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, reveals alarming trends in cost burden, evictions, and homelessness, and warrants immediate action from policymakers, community organizations, and individuals.

Half of All Residents Cost-Burdened

The SoHIH report uncovers that 50% of renter-occupied households and 22% of owner-occupied households in Mecklenburg County are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. This translates to 106,965 renter households struggling to make ends meet. Even more concerning, 61% of renters earning between $50,000 and $74,999 are also cost-burdened, demonstrating the widening reach of the affordability crisis. These numbers highlight a critical gap: neither a single adult nor a four-person family earning 50% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) can afford fair market rent without being cost-burdened.

At Crisis Assistance Ministry, we know these statistics are not just numbers on a page. They represent real families in our community facing impossible choices – between putting food on the table, paying for childcare, or keeping a roof over their heads. Last year, more than 44,000 individuals representing more than 18,000 families sought crucial assistance here to avoid falling into homelessness while they pursue longer-term financial stability.

Rising Eviction Rate

The report also documents a disturbing rise in evictions. In FY24, nearly 30,000 evictions were granted in Mecklenburg County, a 5% increase from the previous year. Eviction filings have surged by 37%, placing an additional 13,000 households at imminent risk of displacement. These evictions disproportionately affect low-income families and individuals, often leading to a cascade of negative consequences, including job loss, school disruption for children, and increased vulnerability to homelessness.

The rise in evictions will inevitably lead to an increase in unhoused residents in our community. Investment in prevention like the emergency assistance offered here at Crisis Assistance Ministry is essential to minimizing the devastating ripple effects of eviction and displacement.

While the report shows some positive trends, such as a slight decrease in first-time homelessness and an increase in permanent housing capacity, the overall picture remains deeply troubling. Homelessness in Mecklenburg County increased by 3% between June 2023 and June 2024, with 2,784 known individuals experiencing homelessness. Racial disparities persist, with 73% of the homeless population identifying as Black, African American, or African. The report also identified 384 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Shrinking Housing Stock Limits Affordability

The SoHIH report also sheds light on the shrinking stock of affordable rentals. Only 8% of rentals in Mecklenburg County are considered low-cost (less than $800 per month), a dramatic decline from 45% in 2011. This scarcity forces low-income families to compete for limited resources, driving up rental costs and exacerbating the affordability crisis.

A Call to Action

The 2024 SoHIH report serves as a call to action. By understanding the scope and complexity of the housing crisis, Mecklenburg County can create a more equitable and stable community for all its residents.

Crisis Assistance Ministry is committed to addressing these challenges head-on by providing short-term financial assistance to avert eviction, advocating for housing stability community-wide, and collaborating with partners to create lasting solutions. But no one, individually or collectively can do it alone. Addressing housing instability requires community investment.

There are a few ways for you to get involved and create a positive difference for our neighbors: