January 28, 2026 – A Timely and Critical Discussion

Community leaders and service providers gathered for an open conversation, moderated by HNH’s ED Russell Pierce, on homelessness in Durham and how we can work together to prevent and end it. Over 200 people attended the discussion, which centered on aligning data, strengthening coordination across systems, and identifying meaningful ways community partners can engage in the months ahead. The PowerPoint slides from the event are attached for your viewing here.

Building a Shared Framework
City and county leaders outlined Durham’s emerging strategic framework to prevent and end homelessness. The focus is on improving stability for individuals and families, strengthening prevention efforts, and ensuring responses are coordinated across public agencies and nonprofit partners. A new “One Number” dashboard was introduced as a tool to help the community track progress and better understand trends over time.

Using Better Data to Drive Action
Participants discussed why Durham did not conduct a traditional unsheltered Point-in-Time (PIT) Count this year and how the community is adapting. While HUD requires unsheltered counts every other year, Durham is expanding its use of HMIS and other data sources to gain more frequent and accurate insight. In 2026, quarterly unsheltered counts will be conducted, with the full PIT Count resuming in January 2027. These changes are designed to improve data quality, deepen understanding of household needs, and strengthen coordinated responses.

Roles of City and County Government
City and county leadership reaffirmed their shared responsibility in addressing homelessness, emphasizing cross-department collaboration, investment in prevention and stabilization, and partnership with nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Ending homelessness is not the work of one sector alone—it requires sustained cooperation across government, service providers, and the broader community.

How Community Partners Can Engage Now
The conversation concluded with a call to action focused on practical, near-term engagement:

Support expanded shelter and stabilization efforts through financial contributions.
Join rapid-response volunteer efforts to meet urgent needs as they arise.
Help spread accurate information about shelter availability and community resources.
Stay connected with local agencies and nonprofits to align efforts and reduce duplication.

Moving Forward Together
This conversation reinforced that Durham has a strong foundation to build on—and that progress depends on shared commitment, clear data, and active partnerships. Community partners play a vital role in turning strategy into impact, and continued collaboration will be essential in the months ahead.

Click here to watch the full video recording

What We're Seeing

As Executive Director of Housing at New Hope, I appreciate you taking a moment to hear a few important updates about three key planning processes that impact housing efforts in our community-each one helping us better serve our neighbors. Please watch the very brief videos below to learn more.

Durham's Housing Initiative Task Force has wrapped up its work-producing a new dashboard and policy recommendations to expand housing and support services. Housing for New Hope was deeply engaged throughout the process and proud to be part of the original design.

Durham has launched a new strategic planning effort to end homelessness, with support from Duke University and the A. J. Fletcher Foundation. HNH is honored to serve on the core team, working alongside city, county, and agency leaders to guide this critical work.

Finally, Housing for New Hope has been developing its own strategic framework-looking ahead to our 40th anniversary in 2032, one that can adapt to changing dynamics while staying true to our mission.