When people think about homelessness, housing is often the first need that comes to mind. And it’s true, a safe, stable place to live is the foundation for rebuilding a life. But even after someone moves into their new home, other challenges don’t simply disappear. One of the most pressing issues our residents face is food insecurity.
In the Triangle, food insecurity affects more than 250,000 people. While counties like Wake, Durham, and Orange report rates below the state average, the numbers are still significant. Rising costs of living, the end of pandemic-era support programs, and limited access to affordable, nutritious food have made the situation worse. The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has seen a sharp increase in demand for emergency food assistance, evidence of a growing crisis fueled by economic pressures.
Food Insecurity and Homelessness
Food insecurity and homelessness are deeply connected. For people experiencing homelessness, reliable access to meals is inconsistent and often dependent on shelters, food pantries, or community programs. The stress of not knowing where your next meal will come from makes it even harder to focus on finding stability.
Even after moving into permanent supportive housing, food insecurity can remain a serious challenge. Many of CASA’s residents live on fixed or very limited incomes. After paying rent (even at CASA’s deeply affordable rates), covering utilities, transportation, and health needs, there is often very little left for groceries. Some residents live in “food deserts,” with no easy access to fresh, affordable produce. For those with disabilities or limited mobility, shopping and meal preparation can be an even greater challenge.
Creating Spaces for Connection and Nourishment
That’s why CASA’s newest community, King’s Ridge in Raleigh, is growing more than just homes. With the help of community partners (like Ripe for Revival, who we spotlighted in last month’s blog post) and volunteers, we recently opened the King’s Ridge Community Garden. While a single garden cannot eliminate food insecurity, it can play an important role in easing the burden.
This effort was made possible thanks to the leadership of Master Gardener John Thomas, whose expertise and dedication guided the planning and preparation of the garden. Working with community partners and volunteers, John helped shape a space that will provide fresh produce and meaningful connections for years to come.
The garden provides residents with access to fresh, seasonal produce to stretch their grocery budgets. Just as importantly, it creates a space for neighbors to connect, share skills, and build a stronger sense of place. The pride and healing that come from nurturing something and watching it grow are just as valuable as the food itself.
The garden offers:
- Fresh produce to supplement limited grocery budgets.
- Opportunities for connection and community building.
- A sense of pride, wellness, and belonging through shared work.
At CASA, we believe that housing is the foundation, but stability also depends on creating the conditions for people to thrive.
How You Can Help
The King’s Ridge Community Garden is just getting started, and there are many ways you can be part of it. From volunteering to donating, your contribution helps residents not only put food on the table but also strengthen the roots of their community. Beyond supporting the community garden, you can support CASA’s mission to keep affordable housing affordable and a solution by attending this month’s Fall Fundraiser.
At CASA, we know that ending homelessness means more than handing over a set of keys. It means addressing the full picture of housing, food security, health, and belonging. Together, with spaces like the King’s Ridge Community Garden, we can help our neighbors grow and thrive.
