
By: Jordan Meadows - Staff Writer
CASA, a leading nonprofit in affordable housing, is nearing the completion of its most ambitious project to date: King’s Ridge. This $13.7 million development is set to make a significant impact on the lives of up to 100 individuals and families in Raleigh who have experienced homelessness or face challenges due to disabilities and low income.
King’s Ridge will offer a range of housing options, including 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, each designed with an emphasis on natural light and spacious interiors. This design reflects CASA’s commitment to addressing the past trauma and future needs of incoming residents. The project also aims to preserve the natural beauty of the heavily wooded area, enhancing the living experience with a pleasant and serene environment.
Inspired by Moore Place in Charlotte—which saved $2.4 million in taxpayer expenses within two years by reducing emergency room reliance—King’s Ridge aims to provide similar benefits for Raleigh.
“We operate strictly in the Triangle region of North Carolina, focusing on Wake, Durham, and Orange counties. Our mission is to end homelessness in our community, and we do that by building new apartments from the ground up, like here at King’s Ridge,” said Emma Doss, Director of Mission Advancement. “We’re focused on serving people earning below 30% of the area median income, those currently homeless, living with disabilities, families with children, and veterans.”
Each unit will feature modern amenities such as queen beds, new furniture, and kitchen appliances. Larger units will include additional bedrooms and bathrooms, offering flexibility for families. The smallest rooms, at around 500 square feet, will be designed with ample natural lighting to create a sense of personal ownership and well-being.
“The furniture will be new; we don’t want people to have to worry about that when they move in. We wanted to use colors and features that evoke comfort and security,” Erin Yates, director of King’s Ridge, said. “Our goal is to help people live their best lives.”
The community will include shared spaces designed to foster social interaction and support. These will feature a kids’ game and toy room, an adult event, and a community room for local talent shows, meetings, and flexible areas for counseling and various activities. On-site services will also include two medical clinics, a tenant liaison, and case managers to address healthcare needs and provide employment assistance.
“We plan to work with each resident to learn their specific needs and how our community partners and on-site services can work for them. We will have onsite partners to address substance use and mental health needs, educational and vocational supports, and more based on resident’s specific requests,” Doss explained.
King’s Ridge will adopt a Housing First model, recognizing stable housing as the essential first step in addressing other life challenges. Residents will pay one-third of their income for rent and can renew their leases annually, with no credit score requirement or proof of insurance necessary. This approach minimizes barriers, welcoming those with histories of homelessness, disabilities, or insufficient credit for traditional housing.
Located next to two hospitals on Michael J. Smith Road and with a bus stop right in front, King’s Ridge will offer convenient access to essential services and transportation. CASA is also working with the city to introduce electric bikes to further enhance mobility and connectivity for residents.
Residents will have access to a broad range of supportive services, including case management, employment assistance, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and childcare navigation. Fully stocked bookshelves and computers will be available on-site to offer residents access to information and educational opportunities.
Collaborations with Wake Tech, Duke, and UNC-Chapel Hill will provide additional healthcare services. They will also connect with public assistance programs and resources to prevent evictions while understanding their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
Much like in traditional apartment communities, residents will sign a lease, maintain control over their lives and schedules, and have the flexibility to tailor the services they receive based on personal goals. King’s Ridge will track residents’ progress, including income increases and hospital stays, to measure success.
“CASA measures success primarily by the stability of its residents. We work hard to ensure our residents never need to experience the trauma of homelessness again,” Doss and Yates said.
The project has secured significant support, raising over $26 million through government funding, private sector contributions, and community donations. This support has enabled CASA to create a high-quality, affordable living environment.
“The City of Raleigh and Wake County stepped up to support this, we received a generous financial contribution in Community Project Funding from Representative Deborah Ross, and individual donors, faith groups, corporations, and foundations all gave. This could not have happened without getting our community on board,” Yates said. “We hope to one day build King’s Ridge 2 and King’s Ridge 3 to house even more folks in our community.”
As construction moves forward, King’s Ridge will soon seek volunteers to help with assembling furniture, moving items, and preparing homes for new residents. This involvement will be vital to ensuring the community’s success.
King’s Ridge is poised to become a cornerstone of Raleigh’s efforts to combat homelessness and poverty. CASA envisions it as a model for future initiatives across the region, reflecting their broader mission to solve homelessness and create sustainable living opportunities throughout the Triangle area.