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Our Journey to End Chronic Homelessness
Ending chronic homelessness is a challenge for the entire community. Pitt County and the City of Greenville created The Our Journey Home Plan to end chronic homelessness in 2008. This plan brings together local organizations, leaders, and residents to build a roadmap for long-term solutions. Financial support came from partners including Pitt County Government, City of Greenville, United Way of Pitt County, Trillium Health Resources, Vidant Foundation, and the Greater Greenville Community Foundation.
Our Journey Home Plan's Two Major Goals:
Goal 1: Provide community-based services and support to prevent homelessness before it happens and diminish risks for homelessness to recur.
Goal 2: Create adequate short-term housing options and supportive permanent housing for those who are chronically homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
For Questions or More Information
Email: endhomelessness@pittcountync.gov
- Homelessness Overview
- Our Journey Home Strategies
- How Residents Can Help
- Resources & Partners
- Success Stories
Understanding Homelessness and Housing Challenges
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines homelessness as the condition of lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. A person is considered homeless if they:
- Live in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, or abandoned buildings.
- Stay in an emergency shelter or transitional housing facility designed for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Are temporarily staying in a hospital or institution (for 30 days or less) but normally reside in one of the above situations.
- Are facing eviction or discharge within a week and have no other housing options or support network to rely on.
- Are fleeing domestic violence and have no safe or stable housing identified.
Chronic Homelessness
The term chronically homeless refers to an individual with a disability who has been homeless continuously for one year or more, or has experienced at least four separate episodes of homelessness within three years. These individuals often cycle between shelters, hospitals, mental health facilities, jails, and living on the streets.
Housing and Food Security Challenges in Pitt County
Many Pitt County residents experience financial strain related to housing and food access. Local data highlights the following community needs:
- 32% of households are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
- 48% of renters struggle to afford their homes.
- 19% of homeowners report difficulty paying housing costs.
- 25,960 residents experience food insecurity.
- 34% of those facing food insecurity are children.
Point-in-Time Count
The Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) is conducted annually on the last Wednesday in January. This one-night count provides a snapshot of homelessness in Pitt County and helps measure progress toward long-term housing stability and service goals.
Learn More About The Point in Time Count Now
Key Strategies to Reduce Homelessness
The County and community partners support individuals and families through rapid rehousing efforts and special-purpose housing vouchers. These programs help residents move into stable housing and prevent a return to homelessness. Vouchers provided include:
- Emergency Housing Vouchers
- Mainstream Vouchers
- Foster Youth to Independence Vouchers
- Permanent Supportive Housing Vouchers
Our Journey Home Five-Prong Approach
The plan uses a coordinated, data-informed approach focused on prevention, housing stability, and measurable outcomes. Together, these strategies help reduce homelessness and strengthen the network of community support services.
1. Closing the Front Door
This strategy emphasizes preventing homelessness before it happens. Efforts include improving access to mainstream resources, expanding financial assistance, and reducing discharges from correctional, health, and human service systems that lead to homelessness. These proactive measures help shorten shelter stays and lower overall risk.
2. Opening the Back Door
“Opening the Back Door” focuses on helping individuals and families quickly transition out of homelessness. Strategies include developing permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless residents, expediting enrollment in benefits programs, and providing financial and supportive services to help households secure and maintain stable housing.
3. Building the Infrastructure
Through collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, this approach works to increase the supply of affordable housing for low-income residents, expand access to living-wage jobs, and strengthen essential supportive services. Coordinated efforts ensure resources are used efficiently and effectively to maintain long-term housing stability.
4. Managing for Results
Data-driven management helps identify what’s working and where improvements are needed. By tracking how public systems and homeless service providers interact with residents, agencies can measure impact, close service gaps, and refine strategies to achieve stronger outcomes.
5. Building a Results Framework
The Implementation Plan outlines how data will be collected and analyzed to track progress toward specific goals. These measurable outcomes serve as clear indicators of the plan’s success and continued impact across Pitt County.
Be Part of the Solution: How You Can Help
- Volunteer or mentor through local shelters and housing programs.
- Support community organizations that provide emergency or permanent housing.
- Advocate for affordable housing development and rental assistance programs.
- Employ or train individuals who are working to regain stability.
- Stay informed about homelessness issues and promote compassion within the community.
Greenville Community Shelter (Emergency Homeless Shelter)
Learn More About The Greenville Community Shelter Now
(252) 752-0829
207 Manhattan Ave.
Greenville, NC 27834
JOY Community Center & Soup Kitchen
Learn More About JOY Community Center & Soup Kitchen Now
(252) 561-7519
700 Albemarle Ave.
Greenville, NC 27834
Partners
For a complete list of current partners,
Visit the NC Coalition to End Homelessness
Additional Resources
Stories of Hope and Housing Success
Pitt County Success Story 1: After missing too many days of work because of illness, one resident lost his home and entered the local homeless shelter. There, he was referred to Pitt County’s Rapid Rehousing Program, which helps people quickly return to stable housing. Motivated to rebuild, he found a new job and worked with his case manager to secure a duplex that met his needs.
Even after the program ended, he stayed in touch with his case manager to share his gratitude for the help that allowed him to regain stability and independence.
Pitt County Success Story 2: After the father was assaulted and seriously injured, he could not work. The mother was undergoing cancer treatment and was also unable to work. With three young children, the family soon lost their home and became homeless.
ECU Health Medical Center made a referral, and after completing the assessments, Pitt County connected the family to the Rapid Rehousing Program. However, the family still struggled to maintain housing because of both parents’ illnesses. It became clear they would need long-term support. Pitt County Planning helped the family apply for a Permanent Supportive Housing program through Trillium Health Resources, where they were later accepted.
This program provided ongoing financial assistance and services that stabilized the family. Both parents expressed deep gratitude for the help they received, which allowed them to keep their family together and provide a stable home for their children.
Pitt County Success Story 3: While staying at a homeless shelter, one resident was hospitalized several times due to illness. Shelter staff saw that he needed extra support to find housing, and their referral to Pitt County’s Rapid Rehousing Program came at the perfect time.
The program provided financial assistance to help him move into housing. As the case manager continued to work with him, it became clear that he would need income-based housing. Fortunately, a unit for a person with disabilities became available through a local housing authority. With his case manager’s help, he was able to secure this unit. He is now safely housed in a home that meets his needs and fits his fixed income.