United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley’s Home For Good program conducted 282 surveys for the annual Point In Time Count. The survey sheds light on the situations of local sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals, and gathers information to help those in need as well as develop more effective homelessness prevention programs.
 
Volunteers surveyed 209 individuals on Tuesday evening at local shelters. Seventy-three unsheltered individuals were surveyed on Wednesday morning across Muscogee and Russell County. The survey collected data about each individual’s current housing situation, families, and health. Among those surveyed, 166 identified as male and 116 as female.
 
“This year’s Point In Time Count indicated that the work we’re doing is making a difference in the community,” said Pat Frey, Executive Director of Home For Good. “The number of homeless individuals surveyed is decreasing each year and we will continue to work with local agencies to make sure those numbers keep dropping,” she added.
 
In 2016, PIT Count volunteers surveyed 303 homeless individuals, 217 sheltered and 86 unsheltered. Among those surveyed in 2016, 187 identified as male, and 115 as female.
 
Since 2015, there has been a 24 percent decrease overall in homelessness. The highest count was in 2011 when nearly 500 individuals were surveyed.
 
Home For Good collaborated with agencies in Phenix City and Russell County to ensure a successful and effective PIT Count.
 
“The Point In Time Count would not have been possible without the commitment of volunteers, law enforcement, and local agencies” said Scott Ferguson, President & CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. “The decrease in homelessness is truly remarkable and is a reflection of the hard work done by local providers and Home For Good,” he added.