People experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to threats like heat and flooding. By helping them access critical resources, the City of Raleigh builds a healthier, safer community. This makes our community more resilient to climate impacts.
The City is collaborating with The Great Raleigh Cleanup (TGRC) and A Place at the Table on “The Workforce” program. This program employs people experiencing homelessness. Participants beautify City locations such as parks, waterways, and roadsides. Through the program, we connect residents to resources that can help them access shelter and other needs. The program helps make Raleigh a more beautiful place to live, work, and play. It also supports equity and resilience by creating education and engagement with the community.
Participants earn a living-wage rate of $18/hour, and they receive a meal at A Place at the Table, a pay-what-you-can café.
The Great Raleigh Cleanup nonprofit reduces litter in Raleigh through the power of community. It supports environmental stewardship through organized beautification projects and related events.
Contributing to Broader Climate Action and Housing Goals
The 2023 pilot phase of this program employed 18 residents. They removed 7,670 pounds of litter and returned 74 shopping carts. Participants said the program provided valuable support. They could pay for daily supplies and temporary housing. They were also able to get work experience, access to other support programs, and a sense of pride and accomplishment. Following this success, the Raleigh City Council approved the continuation of the program in June 2024.
The Workforce Program achieves key elements of the City's Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). These strategies include:
- Addressing equity
- Building community resilience
- Encouraging community empowerment
- Fostering environmental stewardship
- Reducing waste
Several City departments collaborated with TGRC to fund and design the program. While the Workforce program doesn’t provide housing, it’s an important step to help people experiencing homelessness. It works with the City's Housing & Neighborhoods Department to connect people to permanent housing.
View more information on programs and services for residents experiencing homelessness.