Expanding shelter capacity so families can remain together in safety
Growing Shelter, Growing Hope
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In 2026, we will launch a capital campaign to rebuild and sustain a larger, family-centered non-congregant emergency shelter.
Partners
General Contractor: TBD
Owner: PLM Families Together, Inc.
Architect: Haven Design|Build
Civil Engineer: The Site Group
General Contractor: TBD
Capital Campaign Consultant: Moss + Ross
Summary of Project
This project is planned to restore and expand critical shelter capacity lost in the December 2024 fire that destroyed four non-congregate emergency shelter units at 3800 Polly Street, Raleigh. The rebuilt facility will represent a 200% increase in our emergency shelter capacity, providing a targeted 12 modern, non-congregate family units designed to reduce trauma, preserve dignity, and support long-term stability. In addition to safe housing, the site, which includes another building with offices, meeting space, and two shelter units, will serve as a hub for Families Together’s supportive services that are at the core of its successful programming, including mentoring, life skills training, financial literacy, and academic support, that strengthen families and improve outcomes for children.
*Anticipated dates subject to change.
Latest Updates
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Stakeholder Engagement Meeting
On 9/10/2025, Haven Design|Build hosted a stakeholder session with Families Together staff, board, volunteers, and former clients who all came together to share ideas and collaborate on the future building. To broaden input, digital surveys were also sent to donors, volunteers, and partner developers. Haven Design|Build is now synthesizing feedback to shape conceptual design plans.
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Demolition
Upcoming
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Design & Permitting
Upcoming
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Construction
Upcoming
Pictures and Plans
Coming soon…
Summary/History
Late in the evening of December 30, 2024, a fire broke out in the Families Together emergency shelter apartment building on Polly Street in east Raleigh. The blaze spread quickly, forcing the families to evacuate with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Thanks to the quick action of one resident who alerted everyone else in the building about the fire, the 5 adults and 12 children staying in the shelter escaped unharmed.
Families Together is deeply grateful to the Raleigh Fire Department for their swift response in extinguishing the fire. We also extend heartfelt thanks to the American Red Cross of North Carolina - Greater Triangle Area for providing immediate resources and support. As of summer 2025, all families found permanent stable housing.