A new report called The 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress released this week by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) provides national and statewide numbers on the number of people experiencing homelessness on one night in January 2017.
This blog post will break down information in the new report, compare the new information to local Point-in-Time Count numbers, and offer three takeaways for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
What is the report?
The AHAR is the first part of two reports that are submitted annually to Congress by HUD to inform funding and policy decisions. It provides national data from the 2017 Point-in-Time Count and includes estimates of people experiencing homelessness, and the number of beds to temporarily and permanently house people experiencing homelessness as part of the Housing Inventory Count. The estimates of people and beds are reported by 399 Continuums of Care (CoC) across the United States.
The 2017 AHAR Report includes a baseline number for unaccompanied youth homelessness. An unaccompanied youth is defined as an individual under the age of 25 experiencing homelessness on their own and not part of a household. The report also provides the first examination of changes in demographic characteristics of people experiencing homelessness.
What are the key findings and how does it compare to Charlotte-Mecklenburg?
The total number of people experiencing homelessness on one night in 2017 was 553,742 people, which represents an increase of almost 1% (3,814 people) between 2016 and 2017. It is the first time homelessness has increased in the last seven years. Since 2010, homelessness has decreased 13% (83,000 people). Most people – 65% (360,867 people) were staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs and 35% (192,875 people) were in unsheltered locations.
North Carolina experienced a 6.2% decrease in homelessness between 2016 and 2017 and a 26.5% decrease since 2010. Compared to national numbers, a smaller share experienced unsheltered homelessness with 27.3% (2,451) total people.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg decreased overall homelessness 12% between 2016 and 2017 and 26% since 2010. Compared to higher national and state numbers, 15% (215) of the total population of people experiencing homelessness were in unsheltered locations.
What accounts for the change?
Most of the national increase in 2017 is driven by an increase in unsheltered homelessness, which increased 9% (16,518 people). The unsheltered homelessness increase is driven primarily by increases among individuals in the 50 largest cities in the United States, especially along the west coast where there are significant challenges with the rental market. The report shows that if that data is removed from some of the high cost / low vacancy rental markets where increases were reported, the national total would show a 3% reduction in total homelessness, 7% reduction in family homelessness, 6% reduction in veteran homelessness and 4% reduction in chronic homelessness.
North Carolina and Charlotte-Mecklenburg also experienced increases in unsheltered homelessness even though the overall population of homelessness decreased. Between 2016 and 2017, North Carolina’s unsheltered population increased 6% (142 people) and Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s population increased 15% (28 people). The increase in unsheltered homelessness statewide and locally has become a trend in the past few years.
Regional Variations
Some communities across the United States experienced increases and others decreases in their numbers of people experiencing homelessness. A small number of communities had a large impact on the national totals. 60% of Continuum of Cares (237 CoCs) reported that they had reduced total homelessness and 40% (162 CoCs) reported increases.
There are 12 CoCs in North Carolina. Including Charlotte-Mecklenburg, seven of the CoCs experienced decreases in homelessness and one experienced no change. The largest percent decreases were in Gastonia/Cleveland & Gaston, Lincoln Counties CoC (24%), Greensboro/High Point CoC (21%), and Wilmington, Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender Counties CoC (17%).
A closer look at population categories
2017 AHAR: Part 1 – PIT Estimates of Homelessness in the U.S.
Families with children
The number of families with children experiencing homelessness in the U.S. decreased 5% (3,294 households) between 2016 and 2017 and 27% from 2010 to 2017.
The only age group within families experiencing unsheltered homelessness that increased was among people between the ages of 18 and 24 in unsheltered locations (an increase of 317 people or 26%).
Nationally, between 2016 and 2017, homelessness among people in families who identified as African American increased 3% while declining among people in families who identified as white (10%).
In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the number of families with children experiencing homelessness decreased 35% (78 households) between 2016 and 2017, which was mostly due to a decrease in the population in transitional housing.
Veterans
The number of homeless veterans in the United States increased 1.5% (585 people) between 2016 and 2017, which represents the first time veteran homelessness has increased since 2010. This increase is likely due to the 18% (2,299 people) increase among unsheltered veterans. Since 2010, veteran homelessness has decreased 46% (34,000 people).
Compared to other types of homelessness, North Carolina has a lower share of veteran homelessness with 931 total veterans, comprising 1% to 2.9% of the total population of veterans across the United States.
When looking at the CoC level among smaller City, County and Regional CoCs, the Asheville/Buncombe County CoC has the fourth largest total of veterans with 239 people. There were 137 veterans in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, which experienced an 8% decrease between 2016 and 2017. The number of unsheltered veterans in Charlotte-Mecklenburg stayed relatively the same (25 in 2016 and 24 in 2017).
Chronic Homelessness
The number of people experiencing chronic homelessness nationally increased 12% (9,476 people) between 2016 and 2017, but decreased 18% (19,100 people) between 2010 and 2017. Increases were seen within sheltered populations and unsheltered populations, and were steepest in major cities.
Compared to other types of homelessness, North Carolina has a lower share of chronic homelessness with 994 total people, comprising 1% to 2.9% of the total population of people experiencing chronic homelessness across the United States.
There were 147 people experiencing chronic homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, which decreased 14% between 2016 and 2017. Almost half (47% or 69 people) of the total people experiencing chronic homelessness were unsheltered.
In 2017, there were nearly 94,000 more permanent supportive housing (PSH) beds dedicated to people experiencing chronic homelessness in the United States. Although permanent supportive housing beds can be dedicated to people experiencing homelessness, only 42% of all PSH beds in the country are dedicated to chronic homelessness. Charlotte-Mecklenburg dedicates 100% of its PSH beds to people experiencing chronic homelessness, which is in alignment with national guidelines. Since 2010, PSH beds in Charlotte-Mecklenburg increased 270% (938 beds).
Youth
There were an estimated 40,799 unaccompanied youth under the age of 25 experiencing homelessness in the United States on the night of the Point-in-Time Count in 2017. Most unaccompanied youth (88%) were between the ages of 18 and 24 and were more likely to be unsheltered (55%) than all people experiencing homelessness (35%) and individuals experiencing homelessness (48%).
Transgender youth accounted for 2% of the unaccompanied homeless youth population. People who did not identify as male, female or transgender comprised a very small share of the overall unaccompanied homeless youth population but were much more likely to be unsheltered than sheltered.
There were 66 unaccompanied youth in Charlotte-Mecklenburg on the night of the Point-in-Time Count with 27% (18 people) in unsheltered locations.
Demographic Characteristics
Nationally, 47% or 260,979 of all people experiencing homelessness identified their race as white. 41% or 224,937 people identified as African American. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 79% (1,170 people) of the total population experiencing homelessness identified as Black compared to 31% of the general population in Mecklenburg County that identifies as Black.
Between 2016 and 2017, overall homelessness among people identifying as Hispanic or Latino decreased 2% (1,880 people) across the country. Unsheltered homelessness within this group increased 30% (10,261 people). In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 4% (60 people) of the total population experiencing homelessness identified as Hispanic or Latino compared to 13% of the general population in Mecklenburg County that identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
Beds
2017 AHAR: Part 1 – PIT Estimates of Homelessness in the U.S.
There were 899,059 total beds available on a year-round basis in emergency shelters, safe havens, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing and other permanent housing. More beds (56%) were dedicated to permanent housing than temporary places to stay (44%) like emergency shelter and transitional housing.
In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, there were 3,984 total beds available in 2017 and 65% (2,595 beds) were dedicated to permanent housing with 35% (1,389 beds) dedicated to temporary housing like emergency shelter and transitional housing.
SO, WHAT?
The national, statewide and local numbers from 2017 Point-in-Time Count are helpful to understand overall trends in the work to end and prevent homelessness. Below are three takeaways to consider from the 2017 numbers.
1) Look at the full picture. The Point-in-Time Count is one of multiple data sources that provide information on progress around housing and homelessness. It is important to also look at the system performance measures which provide the rate of exit to permanent housing, average length of stay in emergency shelter and returns to homelessness. It is also critical to look at homelessness data with other data sources such as the school system. This can be done locally through the UNCC Institute for Social Capital which houses an integrated database, including homelessness and school system data.
At the same time, one of the most important trends from the 2017 Point-in-Time Count on a local, state and national level is the increase in unsheltered homelessness. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the 2017 Point-in-Time Count Report shows that 62% of the population surveyed had been homeless for more than a year.
2) It’s still about affordable housing. The high cost of housing and low rate of vacancy in communities across the United States including Charlotte-Mecklenburg, places more and more people at risk of losing their housing. The investment in permanent housing beds like permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing has contributed to the decrease in homelessness that Charlotte-Mecklenburg has experienced since 2010.
However, with rental costs increasing and potential changes to federal funding for homeless assistance, the work to increase affordable housing – through subsidy and development – is even more critical. To read more about the trends in worst case housing needs, read this 2017 report.
3) We need a system wide approach. The challenges and solutions to housing and homelessness are connected to other areas like employment, healthcare, transportation and childcare. To end and prevent homelessness and increase affordable housing, these areas must be connected and aligned toward a common vision with shared outcomes and priorities. Coordinated Entry / NC 2-1-1, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Our Heroes targeting veteran homelessness, and Housing First Charlotte-Mecklenburg targeting chronic homelessness are three local examples. To close the gap on housing and homelessness for everyone, everyone must play a role.
To get involved in the 2018 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Point-in-Time Count, email Courtney Morton at Courtney.Morton@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Courtney Morton coordinates community posts on the Building Bridges Blog. Courtney is the Housing & Homelessness Research Coordinator for Mecklenburg County Community Support Services. Courtney’s job is to connect data on housing instability, homelessness and affordable housing with stakeholders in the community so that they can use it to drive policy-making, funding allocation and programmatic change.
FAQs
What is the 2025 Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing and homelessness Strategy? ›
The 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy builds upon successes, and integrates lessons learned from more than 20 years of system-focused housing work, including from previous and current community initiatives to address the problems of housing instability and homelessness.
What are some facts about homelessness in Charlotte NC? ›Currently, more than 3,200 people are estimated to be homeless in Mecklenburg County. More than 3,200 people are currently without a home in Mecklenburg County. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Charlotte's homeless population is steadily growing, according to a new report just put out by Mecklenburg County.
Is there a housing crisis in Mecklenburg County? ›Rents are rising and salaries aren't keeping up, and more people are ending up on the streets. Mecklenburg County recently released its 2022 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report. Right now, there are more than 3,000 people experiencing homelessness in the county, up 3% from 2021.
What is the new way to describe homeless? ›In recent years advocates and activists have begun to use the word unhoused or houseless to describe individuals without a physical address.
What is the Charlotte homelessness strategy? ›In January 2022, they released “A Home for All: Charlotte-Mecklenburg's Strategy to End and Prevent Homelessness.” The plan focuses on major objectives and ways to achieve them in nine areas: prevention, shelter, affordable housing, cross-sector support, policy, funding; data, communications and long-term strategy.
Is the Charlotte housing market slowing down? ›Home prices remained flat between February 2022 and February 2023. On a national level, the median home price in February was $387,000, down 0.3% from a year prior. Although home prices have held steady in Charlotte, Stone is starting to see more sellers' concessions. "Price reductions are happening," he says.
What city has the biggest homeless problem? ›In 2022, Los Angeles had the nation's largest homeless population. About 582,000 Americans are experiencing homelessness, according to 2022 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) data.
What is the main cause of homelessness in North Carolina? ›Homelessness & Domestic Violence
According to the data provided in the North Carolina 2021 – 2025 Consolidated Plan, “Domestic violence is consistently identified as a significant factor in homelessness…
The housing market in North Carolina is following national trends — meaning, it's cooling off from the red-hot frenzy of the past couple years. The state is largely still a seller's market, with too few homes to meet buyer demand and many competitive areas.
Is the Charlotte housing market a bubble? ›According to the report, the housing market in Charlotte is overvalued by a little over 54%. The report says the average Zillow property price for the month of December 2022 was at $385,197, compared to the expected price of $250,055.
Is there a housing shortage in Charlotte? ›
Kingsella's organization is behind the study, titled “Housing Underproduction in the U.S.” It found North Carolina's housing deficit spiked 275% from 2012 to 2019, lacking more than 46,165 homes. Charlotte makes up almost half of the state's deficit, lacking 21,622 homes.
What is the difference between homeless and experiencing homelessness? ›When we use the term “homeless,” we're implying that there is no hope for change. But when we say someone is currently “experiencing homelessness,” we're implying that it's something they won't experience forever.
What three words would you use to describe being homeless? ›- destitute.
- displaced.
- dispossessed.
- derelict.
- down-and-out.
- itinerant.
- outcast.
- refugee.
According to Bonikowski, in media coverage and literature, words like 'unhoused' and 'unsheltered' are often used with more positive connotations than 'homeless,' such as referring to “unhoused neighbors.” Referring to people “experiencing homelessness” or being unhoused or unsheltered can imply a worldview that sees ...
What is the best solution for homeless housing? ›Federal housing assistance: Federal housing programs are one of the most successful housing-based solutions to reduce homelessness. The two largest federal housing programs are public housing and federal housing vouchers, known as Housing Choice Vouchers or Section 8 vouchers.
What is the biggest predictor of homelessness? ›Across the country, housing market factors more consistently predicted rates of total homelessness than other economic factors. This finding is consistent with what many communities have experienced—increases in homelessness where rents are high.
Will rent go down in 2023 Charlotte NC? ›Median rents in Charlotte-area ZIP codes rose by an average of 4.2% over 2022, according to the latest data available from RentHub, to $1,900. That comes as experts say rents nationwide did start to decline later in the year and may fall further in 2023.
Why is rent so high in Charlotte? ›From supply and demand and turnover expenses to inflation Hege said that are several factors that drive rent prices up. He added that landlords are also seeing their expenses increase. “If your insurance has gone up, your taxes have gone up and just generally, the cost for doing repairs have gone up,” Hege said.
What is happening in Charlotte housing market? ›'Selling season' kicking into gear in Charlotte
But active inventory is up 116% from March 2022. Homes in Charlotte sat on the market for an average of 42 in March, down 9% from February but up 33.8% from a year ago.
Consider lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, razor, shaving cream, and deodorant. variety of services available to homeless men, women and families that they might not know about.
What are the top two reasons for homelessness? ›
- Substance Abuse. Starting with the cause people typically think of… ...
- Housing Costs. One of the leading factors of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. ...
- Escaping Domestic Violence. ...
- Poverty. ...
- Disabilities and Mental Health.
- Socks. Living on the street, many unsheltered people rarely take their shoes off. ...
- Personal hygiene items. ...
- Food. ...
- Pet food. ...
- Gift cards and transportation passes. ...
- Raingear. ...
- Compassion.
Texas. The cities of Houston and Austin are amongst some of the best cities to be homeless, as they offer the most support to those who are down on their luck. In fact, homelessness has dropped drastically in the last ten years in the city of Houston due to their housing first policy.
What are the best states for homeless people? ›Based on this data, we found that Colorado, Georgia and Oregon have the overall best homeless assistance, and Oklahoma, Arkansas and West Virginia have the worst. Factors we looked at include: Transitional housing. Safe haven.
What is the most homeless state in USA? ›California has the largest homeless population in the United States with 161,548 individuals experiencing homelessness. There are several reasons why California has such a high rate of homelessness.
What are at least three reasons why people become homeless? ›- ADDICTION. Probably the most common stereotype of chronically homeless people is that they are drug and alcohol addicts — with good reason. ...
- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. ...
- MENTAL ILLNESS. ...
- JOB LOSS AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT. ...
- FORECLOSURE. ...
- POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS. ...
- THROW AWAY TEENS. ...
- RELATIONAL BROKENNESS.
The largest numbers of homeless individuals in North Carolina live in the urban centers, reflecting general patterns of population density: Mecklenburg (2,418), Wake (1,098), Guilford (949), and Durham (759).
What is homelessness usually caused by? ›Poverty. Low wages. Mental illness and the lack of needed services (Single adult individuals) Substance abuse and the lack of needed services (Single adult individuals)
Will rent go down in 2023 North Carolina? ›Overall, it appears that the North Carolina housing market is expected to remain robust in 2023 and 2024, with most regions experiencing moderate to strong growth in housing prices. However, there may be some regional variations in terms of growth rates.
Will home prices drop in 2023 North Carolina? ›FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Real estate experts are anticipating a major slowdown in the housing market in 2023. Experts are predicting stagnating home prices and fewer sales, saying they are a result of the surge of buyers and sky-high high mortgage rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is there a housing crisis in NC? ›
Across North Carolina, there is a shortage of rental homes affordable and available to extremely low income households (ELI), whose incomes are at or below the poverty guideline or 30% of their area median income (AMI).
Are Charlotte homes overpriced? ›Some North Carolina housing markets are among the most overpriced in the country, including Charlotte, a new report says.
Is now a good time to buy a house in Charlotte NC? ›Higher mortgage rates and severe affordability challenges have chilled demand and brought home values down from last summer's peak. Home value growth in Charlotte is expected to be much slower this year than its 11.8% pace of 2022, as is the case in all of Zillow's 2023 hottest markets and the U.S. as a whole.
Will housing prices go down in NC? ›Home Prices. Some experts predict that due to low inventory, home prices won't drop in 2023. While others believe that due to the higher interest rates, sellers will lower their prices to current levels. Home values are expected to go down by 5% to 10% due to unaffordability.
Which cities have the worst housing shortage? ›| Rank | Market | New Units Needed/Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York City | 10,000 |
| 2 | Dallas – Fort Worth | 19,000 |
| 3 | Houston | 15,000 |
| 4 | Los Angeles | 6,000 |
In the Charlotte region, it's more affordable to buy in five of the eight counties included in the Attom study. In Mecklenburg County, however, Attom found that it is cheaper to rent. The median rental rate in Mecklenburg for a three-bedroom apartment in 2022 is $1,624.
Is it better to rent or buy in Charlotte? ›So, what will you do? According to the real estate website, Trulia, it is more cost-effective to buy a house in Charlotte than it is to rent in Charlotte by a factor of nearly 40%.
What are the 4 types of homeless? ›- Literally Homeless.
- Imminent Risk of Homelessness.
- Homeless Under Other Federal Statutes.
- Fleeing/Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence.
Life on the streets can be a demeaning, humiliating and, at times, dehumanizing experience. Clearly, living without material comforts is only one part of the plight. The mental struggle caused by isolation and abuse is often an even more difficult burden to bear.
What is hidden homelessness? ›According to the Canadian Definition of Homelessness, the "hidden homelessness" population falls under the category of "provisionally accommodated." It refers specifically to people who live “temporarily with others but without guarantee of continued residency or immediate prospects for accessing permanent housing.” ...
What do we call homeless now? ›
Unhoused is probably the most popular alternative to the word “homeless.” It's undoubtedly the one I see most often recommended by advocates.
What to do when you are homeless? ›You may need to call a hotline or go to a community-designated organization for homeless services. Your community may have a “homeless hotline,” “2-1-1,” or other organization/agency that serves as the “front door” to receiving any kind of help.
How does HUD define homelessness? ›This document helps to clarify that individuals who lack resources and support networks to obtain permanent housing meet HUD's definition of homeless. Categories of homeless include experiences of those who: Are trading sex for housing. Are staying with friends, but cannot stay there for longer than 14 days.
What is a rude name for a homeless person? ›While “bum” is a derogatory term for someone without a fixed residence and regular employment, terms like “hobo” and “tramp” conjure up nostalgia that belies the difficulty in their wandering lifestyles. “Hoboes” emerged in the U.S. after the Civil War, when many men were out of work and their families displaced.
What is the insulting name for a poor person? ›beggar. bum. dependent. destitute. down-and-out.
What do you call a person typically a homeless one who lives by asking for money or food? ›A beggar is a poor person who asks others, or begs, for money or food. Another word for a beggar is a "panhandler," although both terms are vaguely offensive.
What is the Mecklenburg Livable communities Plan? ›Livable Meck's purpose is to coordinate, support and enact positive change by: Engaging residents and stakeholders in a process to guide community growth. Facilitating collaboration among the community's private, nonprofit and government organizations. Measuring the livability of Mecklenburg County's communities.
What are the 2023 2025 homelessness action priorities for Langley? ›Providing better support to help people transitioning out of youth government care, leaving health care and correctional facilities, and aging seniors on fixed incomes, including hiring workers to help people access appropriate community supports and services to prevent people from slipping through the cracks.
What is Mecklenburg County proposed budget 2023? ›Mecklenburg County Manager Dena R. Diorio presented her recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2024 on May 18, 2023. The $2.3 billion recommended budget features a 7.2% increase, or $156.2 million, over the current FY2023 operating budget.
What are Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools goals? ›- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. ...
- REVISED DRAFT (12/29/22)
- Goal 1.
- The percent of Black and Hispanic 3rd grade students combined who score at the College and Career Ready (CCR) level -- a 4 or 5 -- in English Language Arts (ELA) will increase from 15.9% in October 2021 to 50.0%, by October 2024.
- Goal 2.
What is expected poverty rate in Mecklenburg County NC? ›
| Population | |
|---|---|
| Income & Poverty | |
| Median household income (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 | $73,124 |
| Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 | $43,919 |
| Persons in poverty, percent | 10.2% |
Define Livability
There are five fundamental aspects of great, livable cities: robust and complete neighborhoods, accessibility and sustainable mobility, a diverse and resilient local economy, vibrant public spaces, and affordability.
What is Village HeartBEAT? The Village HeartBEAT (Building Education & Accountability Together) program is a collaborative program organized to reduce risk-factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) through Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) in Mecklenburg County.
What is Biden going to do about homelessness? ›The Biden administration announced new steps Thursday to assist the nations unsheltered population, launching a new initiative accelerating local efforts in six of the nation's most populous cities as part of a larger goal to reduce the country's homelessness by 25% by 2025.
What are the 3 domains of homelessness? ›This gave the basis for the three Page 3 221 Part E _ Responses to “The ETHOS Definition and Classification of Homelessness” conceptual domains – physical, legal and social.
What will Mecklenburg County property taxes be in 2023? ›Mecklenburg County's fiscal year 2023 budget kept the property tax rate at 61.69 cents per $100 valuation until July 1, 2023. The city of Charlotte also kept its property tax rate the same for fiscal year 2023 at 34.81 cents per $100 valuation until July 1.
What is the Mecklenburg County retention bonus? ›Eligible part-time employees could receive up to $2,500 total, broken into payments of $750 and $1,750. The bonuses are funded by federal COVID-19 relief money and are designed to reduce staff turnover at Medic, which has struggled to attract and retain employees during the pandemic.
What is the city of Charlotte 2023 adopted budget? ›The City of Charlotte Adopted Budget for FY 2023 totals $3.2 billion dollars to provide city services and infrastructure. This budget survey gives residents an additional way to get involved in the city's annual budgeting process.
What was the result of Swann v Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools included? ›Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, case in which, on April 20, 1971, the Supreme Court of the United States unanimously upheld busing programs that aimed to speed up the racial integration of public schools in the United States.
What is making it better Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools? ›The Making It Better Initiative (MIB) of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools is committed to empowering every student, engaging educators, parents and community leaders to work together toward safe and welcoming learning environments.
What is the racial breakdown of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools? ›
The most common ethnicity at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is White (63%). 18% of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools employees are Black or African American.