In the middle of a national housing crisis, Wake County is proving that targeted investment, data-driven strategies and strong partnerships can make a real difference. Through its Bridge to Home program, more than 3,300 people have moved into permanent housing since the program began.
Bridge to Home was created in 2021 to build a stronger, more flexible housing response system. It grew out of the Hotels to Housing initiative, which launched at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as an emergency response has now become a cornerstone of Wake County’s work to end homelessness.
“This program is proof that ending homelessness requires a comprehensive approach. This means investing in a wide range of interconnected strategies, not just one single solution,” said Safiyah Jackson with the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “When we invest in a strong network of partners who are tackling contributing factors, our neighbors find their way home.”
The program began with $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. Since then, Wake County has invested $2.45 million annually to maintain efforts. Bridge to Home provides transportation, housing navigation, flexible financial assistance, health care connections, access to benefits, permanent home furnishings and comprehensive case management. These services are coordinated through community partners who prioritize housing using an inclusive and trauma-informed approach that reduces unnecessary obstacles to access.
Bridge to Home by the numbers:
- 3,320 individuals moved into permanent housing
- 108 percent increase in people housed
- 3,447 households received services
- 17 percent increase in clients who exit with increased income
- 80 percent increase in clients exiting with Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits
Bridge to Home is a collaboration between Wake County and community agencies that share a common goal: making homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring.
For more information about Wake County’s housing programs, visit wake.gov/housing.
