Durham’s effort to make homelessness rare and brief received a significant infusion of private support this week. Duke University contributed $1 million and the A.J. Fletcher Foundation added $650,000, together forming a $1.65 million investment in the city’s Flexible Housing Assistance Fund.
How the fund works
The Flexible Housing Assistance Fund is a key component of Durham’s Strategic Framework to Make Homelessness Rare & Brief, a city‑wide plan that targets a reduction of homelessness to a rare, brief, and non‑recurring condition by 2031. The fund finances “Housing Sprints,” short‑term, goal‑oriented initiatives that move households into permanent housing within weeks. By covering security deposits, application fees, and other upfront costs, the fund removes financial barriers that often keep families from securing available units.
Progress to date
Since February 2026, Durham’s Housing Sprints have placed 115 individuals and families— including 50 children—into homes. According to the city’s latest data, 98 % of those households remain housed as of November 2026, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in creating lasting stability.
Goals and community impact
The city’s Strategic Framework sets an ambitious target: 400 people housed by June 2027. The new private investment is expected to accelerate progress toward that goal, especially as the city and county have pledged to raise an additional $5 million in private and philanthropic support.
Community Safety Director Ryan Smith highlighted the importance of rapid funding, noting that the flexibility of the fund “helps us remove barriers immediately,” allowing partners to act quickly when housing opportunities arise. The city’s press release echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that swift resource deployment prevents the loss of available units and speeds up the transition from homelessness to stable housing.
How residents can get involved
Landlords interested in participating can contact the city’s housing team at [email protected]. Residents and supporters are also encouraged to contribute directly to the Flexible Housing Assistance Fund or to host a Durham Housewarming, a community‑focused event that celebrates new homes and fosters neighborhood connections.
By leveraging private philanthropy alongside public resources, Durham is building a model that other cities may look to as a blueprint for addressing homelessness with compassion, efficiency, and faith‑based community values.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
