For years, Raleigh and Wake County faced a critical question: How do we not just house our homeless neighbors, but help them heal? In January 2025, we found a powerful answer with the opening of King’s Ridge. Now, looking back at its first year of operation, we can see exactly how this ambitious project is reshaping our understanding of affordable housing.
King’s Ridge isn’t just an apartment complex; it is a lifeline. As CASA’s largest project to date, this 100-unit community offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes specifically designated for families and individuals moving out of homelessness. But the true innovation here lies beyond the brick and mortar. For the first time, supportive services are integrated directly on-site, proving that stability requires more than just a roof overhead.
More Than Just a Key
The success of King’s Ridge is built on the “Housing First” model. This approach recognizes a fundamental truth: it is nearly impossible to address health issues, addiction, or employment struggles when you don’t know where you’re sleeping at night. By providing permanent housing first, residents gain the stable foundation necessary to tackle other life challenges.
Once settled, residents have immediate access to comprehensive wraparound services. The building features two medical clinics, dedicated case managers, and mental health counseling. This design wraps tenants in care, allowing them to partner with service providers to set their own goals. Whether it’s navigating childcare, finding employment, or managing chronic health conditions, the support is just down the hall.
Breaking Cycles, Building Futures
The impact on the community has been profound. For single adults, moving into King’s Ridge has led to measurable improvements in health outcomes and decreased reliance on emergency services. They are no longer surviving on the fringes but are active participants in a vibrant community.
For families, the stakes were even higher. By ending homelessness for parents and children, King’s Ridge is actively disrupting the generational cycle of poverty. Children who have a safe, stable place to study and sleep are far less likely to experience homelessness as adults. The community’s child-friendly flexible spaces allow kids to just be kids, free from the anxiety of housing insecurity.
A Victory for Collaboration
The reality of King’s Ridge was made possible through the collaboration of over 30 community partners addressing the Social Determinants of Health. From the medical providers to the donors who funded the capital campaign, this project stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.
As we celebrate the lives changed within these walls, King’s Ridge serves as a blueprint for the future. It demonstrates that when we combine affordable housing with compassionate, accessible support, we don’t just reduce homelessness—we build a stronger, healthier community for everyone.
