Wake County selected The Bryant Center as the operator for their first-of-its-kind low-barrier shelter Thursday.
Following a competitive search, The Bryant Center was chosen to lead daily operations and help deliver this service to residents at Second Street Place.
Other WRAL Top Stories
Second Street Place is the first Wake County-operated shelter of its kind, removing common barriers like proof of sobriety or background. Anyone in need can walk through the doors and access safe shelter with access to 98 beds, services and support toward permanent housing, according to Wake County.
On August 19, 2024, the Board of Commissioners approved the acquisition of 5010 Second Street and Wake County staff quickly made the facility ready for emergency sheltering for the 2024/2025 White Flag Season. Since opening on January 1, 2025, the facility has operated at capacity.
Located at 5010 Second Street in Raleigh, Second Street Place opened temporarily in January 2025 for the winter White Flag season, providing emergency shelter during life-threatening cold weather. The Bryant Center, led by Executive Director Vance Haywood, managed daily operations during that critical period.
“The Bryant Center’s proven dedication to serving vulnerable populations makes them the perfect choice to lead operations at Second Street Place,” said Vickie Adamson with the Wake County Board of Commissioners.
As part of a broader homelessness strategy, Wake County will integrate its Bridge to Home housing program ensuring every guest has access to coordinated, housing-focused case management and personalized support from day one.
According to Wake County, this model helps people move quickly from shelter to stability by connecting them with employment resources, transportation, health care and other services.
Following the 2025/2026 White Flag season, shelter programming will be temporarily relocated to enable planned renovations for the building.
The renovations will convert the 9,292-square-foot building into a trauma-informed shelter that offers same-day access to beds, essential services and a path to permanent housing. Planned improvements include:
- Separate staff and guest entrances
- Permanent security station with video monitoring
- ADA-accessible restrooms and showers
- Secure storage lockers for personal belongings
- Food storage and distribution hub
- Private spaces for counseling, case management and support services
The renovations' design work is expected to be completed by September 2025, with construction beginning in Spring 2026. The upgraded Second Street Place is anticipated to reopen in November 2026 just in time for colder weather.
Second Street Place will be a key part of Wake County’s broader strategy to reduce unsheltered homelessness by 10% by 2029, according to a press release.