Oak City Cares will be closed for all services on Monday, February 17th in recognition of Presidents’ Day.

A public-private partnership serving Wake County neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Click Here foR INCLEMENT WEATHER HOURS FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST

click here for active white flag shelter declarations

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Who Are We?

Oak City Cares is a hub for connecting individuals and families, who are at risk of, or are experiencing homelessness, to coordinated services that create a path to stable housing and renewed hope.

We are an independent 501c3, and operate this multi-services hub that brings together an array of Wake County nonprofits ensuring that people experiencing homelessness get onsite help and serving as a bridge to the ongoing resources they need.

Oak City Cares does this by connecting those at risk to coordinated services that create a path to stable housing and renewed hope.

The primary and overarching goal of Oak City Cares is to make homelessness in our community rare, brief and non-recurring.

What’s Our Story?

Listen to our stories

Identifying the Problem

Who is Homeless in Wake County

More than 6,000 people in Wake County experienced homelessness last year, and that number increased by 25% over the prior year, even as it declined in North Carolina overall.

On any given night in Wake County, approximately 1,000 people are experiencing homelessness. In the 2022-2023 school year, 5,143 students in Wake County Schools were identified as homeless, which represents an 8% increase over the previous school year.

Why Are People Homeless?

The reasons for homelessness are complex:

  • The fast-growing Wake County population (66 people per day)
  • A lack of affordable housing
  • Barriers to accessing services.

Individuals and families remain in homelessness much too long while trying to navigate the multitude of services, going from agency to agency and often not knowing which services will best meet all of their needs. When people remain homeless for long periods, they become isolated and lose hope due to the lack of social support that is necessary for anyone to overcome homelessness.

Print Corner Cards

Looking to help neighbors on exit ramps and street corners?

Corner Cards are small cards that you can hand out to those who may be in need of our services. Keep them handy in your car or wallet!

Print Now

Visit Us!

Want to see our work in action? Book a tour for a behind-the-scenes look into our national model for ending homelessness.

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1430 South Wilmington Street,  Raleigh, NC 27603

HOURS:
9am-5pm Monday-Friday
9am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday for weekend meals (enter at the side entrance)

Learn More

We are accessible via the #21 bus from downtown Raleigh.