Community House
IFC SECU Community House is Orange County’s only year-round shelter for men experiencing homelessness.
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HomeStart
IFC HomeStart is a 24-hour emergency shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness.
How It Works
IFC believes that everyone deserves dignified and affordable housing. We provide safe, temporary shelter until residents obtain permanent housing. We also assist residents in finding housing and connecting to other resources.
Women experiencing homelessness access regular bed space at HomeStart by contacting the Orange County Housing Helpline at (919) 245-2655 or housinghelp@orangecountync.gov.
In addition to regular bed space throughout the year, IFC provides temporary overnight shelter for an additional three women during cold weather months (November through March). Cold weather beds at HomeStart can be obtained by calling (919) 929-6380 x4000.
HomeStart Location
2505 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
HS Bus Line
Operating Information
General Info
(919) 929-6380 x4000
Hours
Shelters are open to admitted residents only.
Monday – Sunday
Open 24 hours
Get Involved
IFC’s programs provide for our neighbors’ basic needs while simultaneously activating members to change the system so that fewer people need IFC’s services. Your support helps provide food, shelter, and solidarity!
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Related Programs
Permanent Supportive Housing
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is a best-practice housing model that provides permanent housing for people in our community who have multiple, complex barriers that have otherwise prevented access to housing.
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Community Navigation
Community Navigation services provide the community’s only drop-in access to various community resources such as phones, free wi-fi, printers, and more.
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Advocacy & Leadership, Shelter & Housing
Homelessness is solvable — if we choose to solve it
May 26, 2026
