in 2018, 9.6 percent of college students at NC State University reported experiencing homelessness, most frequently staying with others temporarily or sleeping in outdoor locations. 25 percent of those who had experienced homelessness also reported being food insecure. This data comes from a 2018 research study done by NC State Psychology Professor Mary Haskett. One would imagine that those percentages have only increased since 2018. In fact, a more recent study by Dr. Haskett shows that 15% of NC State students faced homelessness in the first 7 months of the pandemic.

In response to this data, Mary Haskett has worked with a team of NC State faculty, staff and community leaders to address food and housing insecurity among college students. One initiative has been the creation of a host homes program – HOST (Housing Options for Students today). HOST will match students facing homelessness or housing insecurity with members of the community who are willing to open their homes to a student. This hosting arrangement might last for a full semester, or for a shorter period such as winter break.

Pullen has committed to partnering with HOST in three ways: 1) provide an office space within our church for the coordinator of the program; 2) engage our membership in becoming HOST families; 3) challenging other faith communities on and around Hillsborough St. to support HOST.

Emmaus House offers affordable and transitional housing for men in recovery.

In 2008 Pullen created a nonprofit organization called The Hope Center at Pullen to oversee outreach being developed for the new dedicated missions space in our building addition. Today the Hope Center provides mentoring and life skills training for more than 100 youth who are aging out of the foster care system. At THC young people receive the support they need to access available housing and educational services along with counseling and support to help them become productive members of the community. Volunteer partner/mentors and contributions to support the work of the Hope Center are always needed.

ONE Wake is a non-partisan, multi-ethnic, multi-issue group of religious congregations, associations, and other non-profits in the Wake County area with aggregate membership totaling in excess of 50,000 households.