Advocates say NC homeless population could rise

RALEIGH — Advocates expect a spike in North Carolina’s homeless population when the results of this week’s statewide count have been totaled next month.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Friday that the state’s homeless population has been around 11,000 for years. But numbers seem to be on the rise as a slumping economy affects more people.

Volunteers around the state checked parks and bridges and looked into homeless camps in the woods to get a number of those without shelter.

Durham Urban Ministries director Peter Donlon says his group has seen a 40 percent increase in women and children needing a place to sleep.

Homeless advocates will use the numbers to seek federal funds to help those people.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)