In February, Policy Research led a Homeless Response Systems Mapping (HRSM) Workshop in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Facilitators gathered community leaders to identify resources and service gaps and develop practical strategies to address homelessness across systems.
Who Was Involved: Participants included local government representatives, behavioral and physical health providers, legal advocates, and representatives from housing and homeless services, employment and workforce agencies, education systems, and community organizations. Individuals with lived experience also played a vital role in shaping the conversation. Policy Research’s Vice President for Housing and Income Supports Kristin Lupfer and Senior Project Associates Abby Kirkman and Jen Elder facilitated the event.
Photos From Mecklenburg County’s Homeless Response Systems Mapping Workshop
What Happened: During the 2-day mapping workshop, participants identified the community’s current approach to homelessness, highlighting strengths and critical gaps in services.
Key Priorities: Attendees left the mapping workshop aligned on the following plans for change:
- Eviction Prevention: Establish flexible funding and a dedicated support team to proactively prevent evictions
- Whole-Person Care: Expand healthcare, mental health, substance use services, employment support, financial education, and childcare to improve housing stability.
- Housing Vouchers: Strengthen collaboration with the Charlotte Housing Authority to optimize housing voucher use and facilitate sustainable transitions from supportive housing.
Bring a Homeless Response Systems Mapping Workshop to Your Community!
Homeless Response Systems Mapping Workshops are a 1.5-day event offered by the Systems Mapping and Training Center at Policy Research. With this workshop, communities can create strategies to achieve the following goals:
- Creating housing stabilization strategies for those at risk of homelessness
- Connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness with services
- Helping people move from using homeless services to living in appropriate and safe permanent housing
Why It Matters: Homelessness significantly impacts community health and quality of life. In Mecklenburg County, where demand for housing stability and coordinated care continues to grow, the Homeless Response Systems Mapping Workshop offered a timely opportunity to align local partners, identify service gaps, and strengthen prevention strategies.
Next Steps: Mecklenburg leaders are working together to implement a detailed action plan to ensure lasting improvements to their homeless response system. To support this work, Policy Research provided the county with a comprehensive systems map, a full summary report, and additional planning resources designed to guide implementation and sustain momentum.