Asheville Prepares for Annual Point-in-Time Count for Homelessness

News Summary

Asheville residents are invited to participate in the Annual Point-in-Time Count on January 28-29, 2025. This crucial event aims to gather data about homelessness in Buncombe County and support the formulation of effective strategies to tackle this growing issue. Volunteers will be trained to conduct surveys, and the count will include those affected by recent challenges, such as Tropical Storm Helene.

Asheville Gears Up for the Annual Point-in-Time Count to Tackle Homelessness

Residents of Asheville, mark your calendars! On January 28-29, 2025, the city will be participating in the annual Point-in-Time Count aimed at understanding and addressing homelessness in Buncombe County. This important event invites community members to volunteer in teams to survey individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

What is the Point-in-Time Count?

You might be wondering what this Point-in-Time Count is all about. Well, each year during the last 10 days of January, communities across the nation conduct this count to gather valuable data. This snapshot provides crucial information that will help guide federal funding, shape local strategies, and better identify the resources needed in the homeless service system here in Asheville.

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to get involved. Volunteers can register to participate either on the evening of January 28 or late morning on January 29. Don’t worry if you have no prior experience; training will be provided to help everyone feel comfortable and prepared. Plus, there’s a new optional session called “Surveys in Practice” this year where volunteers can practice conducting surveys to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Understanding the Count

It’s important to understand what this count represents. While it gives us a snapshot of the homeless population on those specific nights, it doesn’t give a complete picture of everyone experiencing homelessness in the area. The count will include people who are unsheltered, those staying in emergency shelters, and families living in transitional housing. Additionally, the federal guidelines also count those staying in agency-funded hotels or motels, which can expand the scope of our data gathering.

This year, the count will also consider individuals who’ve been affected by the tragic impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, adding another layer to the data collection process. After gathering the data, the Continuum of Care Lead Agency Staff will compile, deduplicate, and aggregate the information before reporting the findings in early spring.

The Rising Numbers of Homelessness

739 homeless individuals, an increase from the previous year. This data reveals that 520 people were identified in shelters and transitional housing, while 219 were found unsheltered. Thanks to a newly implemented method, the accuracy of the count has improved, adding 102 individuals compared to previous methodologies used.

All this collected information will play a vital role in formulating strategies to combat homelessness effectively, allowing the community to make better-informed decisions on how to offer support.

A Community Effort

The Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care is not only focused on conducting this count but is also seeking to strengthen its efforts by recruiting new members. They aim to enhance collaborative responses to the growing issue of homelessness in our area.

As Asheville grapples with an ongoing crisis regarding affordable housing, there are serious discussions about potentially establishing a low-barrier, long-term emergency shelter in downtown Asheville. This recommendation comes after insights from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and it highlights the urgent and pressing challenges faced in the community.

It’s clear that affordable housing continues to be a significant concern, especially for those impacted by the recent storm. Many individuals affected by Tropical Storm Helene are currently navigating housing insecurity, making the situation even more critical as the community works to address these challenges.

How You Can Help

Asheville encourages everyone to get involved. Whether you’re planning to volunteer for the Point-in-Time Count or simply looking to stay informed on local issues, every effort counts. Make sure to register, and lend your support to help create a better future for those in need.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Western North Carolina Struggles with Rising Homelessness Following Hurricane Helene

Additional Resources

• WLOS: Buncombe County Shelters Crowded Amid Freezing Weather
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
• WLOS: 200,000 People Impacted by Helene Housing Damages
• Google Search: Homelessness Statistics in the US
• WLOS: 2024 Point-in-Time Homeless Count in Asheville
• NC Newsline: First Tenants Move into Bertie County Schools Workforce Housing
• WLOS: Buncombe County Looks to Hire a Homeless Manager
• Google News: Buncombe County Homelessness