Law - Criminal Assignment #3: Macro Practice Issue Paper, Part II

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Homelessness Among Children, Youth, and Families in Raleigh, North Carolina

Dominique Williams

Fayetteville State University

SWRK 612 Social Work Intervention with Groups, Communities and Organizations

Dr. Omekio Riggins

February 14 ,2026

Homelessness Among Children, Youth, and Families in Raleigh, North Carolina

Problem Statement

Homelessness among children, youth, and families in Raleigh, NC is a severe social welfare crisis where rising housing costs, structural racial disparities, economic instability, and unmet behavioral health needs are disproportionately impact marginalized populations in the housing, education, healthcare, and social service systems of the city.

Brief Elaboration

Homelessness in Raleigh is becoming a complex social issue, going far beyond the lack of physical housing. According to the Raleigh Rescue Mission (n.d.), the rate of homelessness in Raleigh and Wake County is increasing by about 8 percent per year, and over 6,000 individuals are already receiving homeless services, and approximately 70 percent of the individuals are newly homeless due to recent life events or crises. In the city, thousands of families lose their housing stability annually, and those in shelters, transitional housing, vehicles, crowded apartments, or encampments are without a home. This instability interferes with the continuity of education in children, subjects the youth to traumas and unsafe conditions, and causes stress in family systems. Homeless adults are at a significantly increased risk of having a high rate of chronic illness, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and premature mortality (Christian et al., 2024). Studies also indicate that homeless people have a much greater risk of committing suicide and homicide than housed individuals, which indicates the high vulnerability of the individuals experiencing homelessness to homelessness-related dangers (Kleinman & Morris, 2022). Economic inequality in Raleigh, in which housing costs have soared over the last ten years, overlaps with race, gender, disability, immigration status, and sexual orientation to making already marginalized groups more likely to experience homelessness. The crisis impacts a person and the family as well as the schools and the health care, law enforcement, and the social service agencies, so this is a pressing issue to the whole community.

Community Description

The estimated population in Raleigh, North Carolina, was 470,763 residents in 2023 (Data USA, n.d.). The age structure indicates that the population is relatively young and economically active (median age is 34.7 years), which has been influenced by the availability of large higher education institutions and jobs in the technology and research sectors. Children and adolescents constitute a large part of residents, whereas adults between 25 and 44 years constitute the biggest part of the population, with older adults who already represent a minor segment but have a growing share. The gender balance in Raleigh is fairly equal, with a small female preponderance that is in line with the state data (Data USA, 2023). The racial and ethnic composition displays the existence of a significant diversity: about 51.4% of locals are the Whites (Non-Hispanic), 27% are the Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 12.7% are the Hispanics or Latinos, and 4.71% are the Asians with the rest being multiracial and other racial groups (Data USA, 2023).

The percentage of foreign-born residents stands at 13.4%, which brings about the linguistic and cultural diversity (Data USA, 2023). In the religious makeup, Raleigh is typical of the southeastern United States, with Christianity being the predominant religion, and there are also Jewish communities, Muslim communities, Hindu temples, Buddhist centers, and individuals who identify as unaffiliated or nonreligious. Sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and political affiliation are other types of diversity, and it is not uncommon to say that Raleigh is a more politically progressive city than other rural counties, with advocacy organizations that promote LGBTQ+ lives and people with disabilities being actively involved in the community.

There are indicators of income and socioeconomic status that show both prosperity and disparity. Incomes are high in Raleigh, with a median household income of $82,424 (Data USA, 2023), but there is still income inequality among other subgroups. The rates of poverty and median earnings among women, racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and people with disabilities are higher than those of their White and male counterparts. The level of educational attainment is relatively high, with a solid percentage of adults having bachelor's and graduate degrees, due to the location of North Carolina State University and the Research Triangle facilities. Nonetheless, differences in achievements exist in terms of racial and socio-economic considerations. Raleigh has housing made up of single-family residential, apartment complexes, townhouses, condominiums, and a minor percentage of subsidized and supportive housing development (Data, USA, 2023). Although most neighborhoods represent well-kept suburban development, there is old housing in historically underinvested neighborhoods. The supply of housing has decreased due to a high rate of population increase, and the median prices of houses have risen to around $377,800, with rising rental prices adding to affordability issues (Data USA, 2023). Some of the activities covered in recreation and culture systems are the public parks, greenways, museums, performing arts facilities, libraries, and collegiate athletic facilities.

There are no significant access and quality issues since most areas are usually well-accessible, although the distance and transportation availability can restrict accessibility and even equality of access by low-income citizens. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Education, Retail Trade, and technology-related industries operate in the Commerce and Industry, relating to the larger Research Triangle area. In spite of the relatively low level of unemployment on the whole, there are also age, racial, and educational differences in susceptibility to unemployment among young adults, and with minority workers experiencing greater vulnerability during economic downturns (Data USA, 2023). Religions, such as churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and interfaith organizations, not only fulfill spiritual roles, but are also food providers, possessions referral, and support social services. Raleigh has a council-manager type of government, which entails an elected city mayor and city council charged with the responsibility of providing policy direction, whereas heading day-to-day administrative activity is a city manager. The political environment is inclined to focus on economic development and the building of infrastructure, as well as continuous discussion of affordable housing and social welfare policies.

Description of the Problem

Description In the Community

Individuals experiencing homelessness of Raleigh manifest in high rates of unsheltered homelessness, those who live in temporary shelters, and young people who have housing instability. The homeless population is at high risk of chronic diseases, infectious diseases, untreated mental health disorders, and substance use disorder (Christian et al., 2024). Unsheltered homelessness, in its turn, is linked to increased morbidity and mortality, in comparison with sheltered homelessness (Christian et al., 2024). The use of healthcare services by this population usually takes place in the emergency setting and not in preventive care, enhancing individual suffering and the expenditure of the population.

Violence is a very important aspect of the crisis. A study of death by violence in individuals living in homeless conditions revealed an excessively high percentage of suicide and homicide in comparison to the non-homeless populations (Kleinman & Morris, 2022). The most common type of violent death was suicide, almost always by either hanging or gun (Kleinman & Morris, 2022). These results indicate the overlap of homelessness with untreated mental illness, exposure to trauma, and social isolation. In Raleigh, the issue of racial differences is strong. Structural inequities in African American homelessness occur at a rate that is much higher than the proportion of the general populace (Chinchilla & Gabrielian, 2021). The resultant factor is an apparent humanitarian crisis that affects the well-being of people, education, and communities.

Possible Causal and Contributing Factors

Housing cost burden is the most crucial structural cause of homelessness. The analysis at the state level has found cost of living as the most powerful predictor of homelessness rates, and the housing expenses have become the main constituent (Heston, 2023). In Raleigh, an increase in rent and a shortage of affordable accommodation provide an environment under which low-income households are always on the brink of eviction.

Income instability and unemployment are also other predisposing factors to homelessness (Heston, 2023). Eviction may be precipitated very fast by economic shocks, such as job loss or medical debt. Vulnerability is also caused by behavioral health conditions. Homeless people are more prone to mental health disorders and substance use disorders in comparison to the rest of the population (Christian et al., 2024). Also, several individuals experiencing homelessness who committed suicide had a history of mental health or drug abuse (Kleinman & Morris, 2022).

Structural racism, gender inequality, discrimination against people belonging to the LGBTQ community, and barriers faced by people with disabilities worsen the risk. The past history of segregation and exclusion of wealth has restricted housing stability for African American inhabitants (Padwa et al., 2024). Domestic violence and the gender wage gap make women and children more susceptible. Discrimination and family rejection are some of the factors with a high rate of homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth (Padwa et al., 2024). Issues related to employment due to disability are another hindrance to obtaining a stable home.

History of the Problem

The issue of homelessness in Raleigh has been developing over many decades, influenced by the changes in the economy and the choices of housing policies, as well as the cuts in the infrastructure of social welfare. A critical event in the history of homelessness in Raleigh was the 2008 financial crisis. Thousands of families became less stable in their housing, as foreclosures, loss of jobs, and stagnant wages began to rise. Even though the wider economy would eventually pick up, the rise in rental prices was faster than the growth of wages. Research demonstrates that the cost burden of housing is the most significant predictor of homelessness rates in all the states, which indicates the primary role of structural affordability in the causes of long-term patterns (Heston, 2023). High rent, lack of affordable housing building programs, and population growth in Raleigh exacerbated the force of displacement in historically marginalized areas.

Unsheltered homelessness has been on the rise over the last ten years mainly in the urban centers. According to national research, the risk of morbidity and mortality is higher among unsheltered homeless people than among sheltered homeless people (Christian et al., 2024). The new housing development has failed to keep up with the magnitude of need in spite of voter-approved measures to fund housing programs and even increase supportive housing programs.

Community Impact of the Problem

Impact on Individuals, Family and Community System

Homelessness in Raleigh affects several individuals. To many individuals, homelessness is connected to the higher occurrence of chronic disease, infectious illness, untreated mental health, and substance use disorders (Christian et al., 2024). Homelessness hinders medication adherence, access to preventive care and recuperation. It is also shown in research that the rates of violent death are disproportionately large among individuals experiencing homelessness, which encompasses suicide and homicide rates, in comparison with housed people (Kleinman & Morris, 2022). These findings indicate the life-threatening consequences of long-term housing instability.

Children and the youth are especially vulnerable to developmental effects. The housing instability derails the education continuity, resulting in high frequency of school changeovers, absenteeism and delays in schooling. Trauma, community violence and parenting stress contribute to the risk of anxiety, depression, and health disparities in the long term. Family members tend to have chronic stress connected with uncertainty, stigma, and insufficient privacy in the shelter or overcrowded living conditions.

The issue of homelessness impacts the community at the level of the systems and economic stability. The use of emergency healthcare by people experiencing homelessness is a reason to spend considerable amounts of money on the population because people prefer to use emergency departments instead of primary care services (Christian et al., 2024). Encampment management and response to the needs of the public safety are prioritized by law enforcement and sanitation departments. The visual manifestation of homelessness can impact the image of the community, in addition to tourism and business, which creates a political conflict and controversy about what to do. According to economic modeling, structural factors like the housing expenditure and unemployment are still at the core of homelessness and therefore in the absence of systemic changes, the amount of money spent by the government on emergency response is likely to keep growing (Heston, 2023).

These effects are intensified by racial inequalities. African American residents of Raleigh have disproportionately high homelessness rates, which are a consequence of discrimination in housing and wealth disparities. Women escaping violent partners and LGBTQ youths who have been rejected by their families have a different way into homelessness, which once again underscores racial, gender and sexual orientation as a factor to vulnerability in the system. Status disability is also a risk factor because people with severe mental illness have fewer chances to get employed and live in a stable place.

Key Informants

To gain an insight into the effects of homelessness, several key factors should be involved. Social workers and case managers offer a comprehension of the service delivery issues and family needs. Healthcare utilization and health outcomes are provided by clinicians of emergency departments and by public health professionals. The liaisons of school districts that are a product of federal education requirements record educational disruptions in the case of homeless children. Police, housing professionals, nonprofit administrators, and former homeless people are all required to provide the necessary information about safety, policy impacts, and community conditions. Altogether, these informants demonstrate the prevalence and interrelation of the effects of homelessness in Raleigh.

Responding Agency

One of the key organizations that deal with homelessness in Raleigh is the Wake County Continuum of Care (CoC) that organizes the Continuum of Care system in the area. Wake County Continuum of Care (CoC) invests in and manages emergency shelters, rapid rehousing services, permanent supportive housing, and street outreach teams. Services encompass coordinated entry evaluations, rental aid, case management, behavioral health referrals and collaborating with healthcare providers to aid individuals with complex health necessities. Outreach programs are designed to reach out to unsheltered people to access housing and combined health services.

The effectiveness of responses is evaluated, which implies improvement and persistent difficulties. Permanent supportive housing has some backing in literature as a successful intervention in enhancing housing retention and housing stability in chronically homeless persons. Studies also indicate that unified healthcare outreach frameworks enhance the levels of involvement and the management of chronic illnesses in homeless individuals (Christian et al., 2024). Nonetheless, structural aspects like increasing housing prices are still strong predictors of the rate of homelessness (Heston, 2023), implying that the increase in services might not be enough to counter the new marginalization into homelessness. Although the number of housing placements by Wake County Continuum of Care (CoC) has been growing over the last few years, the number of homeless people has still not decreased, indicating that the gap between the supply and demand of affordable housing is still present.

Conclusion

Overall, homelessness among children, youth, and families in Raleigh is an indication of profound structural inequalities based on high housing prices, income fluctuation, racial injustices, and behavioral health imbalances. Housing cost burden and unemployment have consistently been ranked among the most significant predictors of homelessness, whereas its serious human impact has been evidenced by health outcomes, such as chronic disease, substance abuse, and increased risks of suicide and homicide. Even though such coordinated efforts are showing quantifiable improvements, the only lasting change is possible with systemic investment in affordable housing, economic justice, and available, affordable and culturally responsive health and social services.

References

Chinchilla, M., & Gabrielian, S. (2021). Factors associated with unsheltered Latinx homelessness in Raleigh County.  Cityscape,  23(2), 159-180. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27039956

Christian, N. J., Havlik, J., & Tsai, J. (2024). The use of mobile medical units for populations experiencing homelessness in the United States: a scoping review.  Journal of General Internal Medicine,  39(8), 1474. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-024-08731-9

Data USA. (2023). Raleigh, NC. Retrieved from: https://datausa.io/profile/geo/raleigh-nc

Heston, T. F. (2023). The cost of living index as a primary driver of homelessness in the United States: a cross-state analysis.  Cureus,  15(10). DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46975

Kleinman, R. A., & Morris, N. P. (2023). Suicide, homicide, and other violent deaths among people experiencing homelessness in the United States: a cross-sectional study.  Public Health Reports,  138(2), 309-314. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549221087228

Padwa, H., Chien, J., Henwood, B. F., Cousins, S. J., Zakher, E., & Kuhn, R. (2024). Homelessness, discrimination, and violent victimization in Raleigh County.  American journal of preventive medicine,  67(5), 666-675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2024.06.016

Raleigh Rescue Mission. (n.d). Community Need. Retrieved From: https://www.raleighrescue.org/the-problem/community-need/