Housing & Homelessness Awareness in North Carolina

As we move through 2025, housing insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges facing North Carolina families. Prosperity North Carolina is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and stable housing, especially in Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties, where eviction rates and cost-burdened renters are rising.

Project ReStart: Real Stories, Real Impact

• Through Project ReStart, Prosperity NC provides a lifeline to families facing eviction, utility shutoffs, and economic instability. In 2024 alone:

• Over 50% of Durham renters were cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent.

• Orange County saw a spike in eviction filings, disproportionately affecting single mothers and families with children.

Chatham County’s rental vacancy rate dropped to near 2%, leaving many households without viable housing options.

Project ReStart combines short-term financial assistance covering up to three months of rent and utilities with long-term solutions, including workforce development, financial literacy coaching, and connections to stable employment. This dual approach helps families not just survive, but rebuild their lives with dignity.

“Housing stability and economic security go hand-in-hand,” says Sarah Williams, Project Manager. “Without a safe home, it’s nearly impossible to succeed at work or school. Project ReStart tackles both challenges together.”

Statewide Housing Affordability Insights

Across North Carolina:

• Nearly 1 in 3 renters are cost-burdened, according to the 2024 Housing Report.

• Urban and rural communities alike face growing gaps between wages and rent, with low-income families most at risk of displacement.

• Emergency shelter capacity is limited: many counties can accommodate only a fraction of those experiencing homelessness.

Tips & Resources for Residents

Prosperity North Carolina is dedicated to connecting residents with tools to navigate housing challenges:

Legal Assistance: Free or low-cost eviction defense and tenant rights guidance through local legal aid offices.

Rental & Utility Support: Apply for emergency assistance via Project ReStart or county-specific programs.

Workforce & Financial Coaching: Access job training, resume workshops, and credit/financial counseling to stabilize long-term income.

Residents can download Project ReStart applications or reach out to our team for guidance on navigating these resources.

Looking Ahead

As we focus on housing and homelessness awareness this March, Prosperity North Carolina calls on policymakers, community organizations, and neighbors to work together to expand affordable housing, strengthen safety nets, and empower families to thrive.

Every family deserves a safe home and by combining advocacy, resources, and community action, we can make that a reality.

Honoring Black Leadership

February is a time to reflect on the rich history and enduring contributions of Black communities across North Carolina. At Prosperity North Carolina, we recognize that Black leadership, especially in rural areas, has been a cornerstone of progress, resilience, and justice. This month, we spotlight the leaders shaping our present and future, and examine how historical inequities continue to impact housing and economic opportunities.

Emerging Leaders: Shanetta Burris and the Next Generation

One such leader is Shanetta Burris, a Durham native and double graduate of North Carolina Central University. With a decade of experience in community organizing and civic engagement, Shanetta has served in various roles, including as the Training Manager for Supermajority, an organization dedicated to empowering women voters. She is also running for Durham City Council in 2025, aiming to bring a responsive and inclusive voice to city leadership.

Shanetta's platform focuses on accountability, transparency, and community involvement. She advocates for policies that prioritize housing affordability, environmental stewardship, and public safety, all while ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and respected.

Rural Black Leadership: A Legacy of Advocacy

In rural North Carolina, Black leaders have long been at the forefront of advocating for justice and equity. From the Reconstruction era to the Civil Rights Movement, Black communities have fought against systemic racism and for their right to participate fully in civic life. Despite facing challenges such as voter suppression and limited access to resources, these leaders have built strong networks of mutual aid and community support.

Organizations like the NC Rural Center continue to empower rural communities by providing leadership development, advocacy training, and resources to address local challenges. Their work underscores the importance of grassroots leadership in driving systemic change.

Intersecting Inequities: Housing and Economic Opportunity

The legacy of systemic racism manifests in various ways, particularly in housing and economic opportunities. Historical practices like redlining and discriminatory lending have led to disparities in homeownership and wealth accumulation for Black families. For instance, a study found that 20% of Black mortgage applicants in North Carolina were denied loans, nearly twice the rate of white applicants.

Additionally, the Fair Housing Project of Legal Aid of North Carolina works to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equal housing opportunities for all people through education, outreach, public policy initiatives, advocacy, and enforcement.

These inequities are not just historical—they continue to affect communities today, influencing access to quality housing, education, and employment opportunities.

A Call to Action

As we honor Black History Month, let us also commit to creating a future where Black leadership is celebrated and supported. This means advocating for policies that address the root causes of inequality, supporting leaders like Shanetta Burris who are dedicated to community empowerment, and working together to dismantle the systems that perpetuate injustice.

At Prosperity North Carolina, we believe in the power of community-led change. By uplifting Black voices and leadership, we can build a more equitable and prosperous state for all.

Expanding Equity and Access in 2025

As we step into 2025, Prosperity North Carolina celebrates the resilience and determination of our communities across the state. Every new year brings the promise of opportunity, and this year, we recommit to breaking down barriers and ensuring that equity, access, and civic engagement are realities for all North Carolinians.

Reflecting on Project Open Door’s 2024 Successes

In 2024, Project Open Door made a tangible difference in the lives of undocumented families across rural North Carolina. Through partnerships with dedicated law firms, we helped families navigate complex immigration processes, from green card petitions to naturalization applications, at no cost to them. These are more than legal victories; they are milestones of security, stability, and hope, allowing families to contribute fully to their communities without fear.

Looking ahead, 2025 will see Project Open Door expand its reach, with the goal of assisting even more families. Our focus is clear: ensuring that financial barriers and legal uncertainties do not prevent anyone from having a voice or access to opportunity.

Amplifying Rural Voices in Civic Life

Equity extends beyond legal access, it includes the ability to participate fully in civic life. Rural communities often face unique challenges: fewer polling locations, transportation hurdles, and less information about voting rights. In 2025, Prosperity North Carolina is committed to empowering rural residents through workshops, outreach, and resources designed to make voting and civic engagement accessible to everyone.

We’ve seen the power of local leadership and community organizing firsthand. In 2024, residents in several rural counties successfully advocated for policy changes that improved housing access, expanded community resources, and strengthened local representation. These victories are a reminder: when communities are equipped and informed, change is possible.

A Call to Action for 2025

As we begin this new year, Prosperity North Carolina invites everyone to join us in making 2025 a year of action, inclusion, and opportunity. Whether by volunteering, spreading awareness, or participating in civic life, each step forward brings us closer to a North Carolina where every family, in every county, can thrive.

Let’s make this year a chapter of growth, empowerment, and lasting impact together.