PITT COUNTY, N.C. – The Board of County Commissioners’ proclamation supporting Homelessness Awareness in Pitt County was announced at their Monday, November 6 meeting. Whereas National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual recognition sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign against Hunger and Homelessness, this recognition is intended to spotlight the issues of hunger and homelessness across the country while focusing on local efforts to address these anti-poverty issues.
“Pitt County participates in a 79 county Continuum of Care that has garnered more than $1.5 million in grants to Greenville/Pitt County. These funds have been used to house and support citizens who experience homelessness,” says Janis Gallagher, County Manager. She continues, “to address homelessness in Pitt County during the American Rescue Plan funding process, the Board of County Commissioners allocated $1.5 million to Homeless Housing Resources and $2.5 million to Substandard Housing Improvement Program.”
In recognition of these ongoing efforts, Pitt County is participating in National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 13-21, 2023, and promoting homelessness awareness facts during the month of November. The digital campaign will inform the public of national and local homelessness statistics as well as accomplishments in Pitt County. Pitt County homelessness facts, resources and information will be shared on the County website www.PittCountyNC.gov/Homelessness and Facebook page @PittCountyNC.
“Since 2020, Pitt County and its network partners have provided rapid rehousing to 247 people in 177 households,” says Lynne James, Pitt County Homeless Program Coordinator. “Additionally, we’ve expanded the scope of housing resources by securing special purpose housing vouchers and successfully maintained grant funding for Rapid Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH).”
The N.C. Housing Coalition recognizes the 2023 housing need in Pitt County with the following:
- 34% (23, 418 households) of Pitt County are cost-burdened;
- 50% (16,235 households) of Pitt County renters have difficulty affording their homes; and
- 20% (7,183 households) of Pitt County homeowners have difficulty affording their homes.
The Food Bank of Central/Eastern N.C. recognizes Pitt County food insecurity with these 2020-21 statistics:
- 17% (30,100 people) are food insecure in Pitt County;
- 24% (9,310 under the age of 18) of Pitt County children are food insecure; and
- 66% (16,042 children) receive free/reduced school meals in Pitt County.
“Pitt County and partners distributes backpacks, water, food, gift cards, and personal care items to those experiencing homelessness,” continues Lynne James. “The County also makes referrals to the Salvation Army for breakfast distribution and JOY Soup Kitchen for lunches.
Pitt County directly operates the Leroy James Farmers’ Market Double Bucks Program, the Making Pitt Fit Community Garden and distributes Food & Nutrition Benefits (EBT/WIC) benefits to low-income households. The Pitt County Farm and Food Council, a Commissioner appointed County board, works to increase equity in the food system through connections and collaborations among producers, restaurants, and food distributors, with an emphasis on increasing access to healthy local food throughout Pitt County.
For more information, visit www.PittCountyNC.gov/Homelessness or contact Lynne James at 252-902-3254.
The Mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner.
Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov
Media Contact:
Dawn C. Jones
Director, Public Information & Media Relations
dawn.jones@pittcountync.gov | (252) 902-2955
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