Building Hope program

Addressing Homelessness Together

Defining Homelessness

HUD defines someone as experiencing homelessness if they fall into one of the specific categories used for HUD-funded housing and services. HUD defines a person as experiencing homelessness if they are:

1. Literally homeless
   • Sleeping in places not meant for people to live (outside, in a car, or in a tent)
   • Staying in an emergency shelter or transitional housing
   • Living in a hotel/motel paid for by charitable organizations or government programs
   • Living in a building with no running water or electricity
   • Leaving an institution (hospital, jail, etc.) after a short stay and were homeless right before entering
2. At imminent risk of homelessness
   • Will lose their housing within 14 days and have no safe place to go
   • Lack the resources or support to secure housing
3. Homeless under other federal definitions (mainly certain families & youth)
   • Have unstable housing and frequent moves
   • Face long-term barriers such as disability, poverty, or lack of support networks
4. Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
   • Have no safe alternative housing
   • Lack the resources to obtain permanent housing

What is a Continuum of Care?

A Continuum of Care (CoC) is a community-wide partnership of organizations working together to prevent and end homelessness. It includes nonprofits, local governments, service providers, local businesses, and advocates who coordinate housing, shelter, and support services. By working as a network rather than separately, CoCs help move people from homelessness to stable housing more effectively.

What is Coordinated Entry?

Coordinated Entry is a shared system that helps people experiencing homelessness access housing and services more quickly and fairly. Instead of going to multiple agencies and repeating their story, people complete one intake and are matched to the right resources based on their needs. This process helps ensure that limited housing and support services go to those who need them most.

Coordinated Entry

We are updating our list for Coordinated Entry contacts for all 100 counties in North Carolina. If your county does not have an active link listed below, please call us at (984) 209-9709 for assistance.

If you are actively experiencing homelessness, please contact your local Continuum of Care to access resources and shelters in your area. Coordinated Entry is the central access point for anyone experiencing homelessness or is at risk of homelessness. Please click your county for resources and information for your area!

Additional Resources