United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley conducted their eleventh annual survey of the homeless population in Muscogee and Russell County on Tuesday, January 22^nd and Wednesday, January 23^rd. The survey, known as the Point In Time (PIT) Count, 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.

This year, a total of 273 sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals were surveyed in Muscogee and Russell County. The survey collected data about each individual’s current housing situation, families, and health.

“The annual Point In Time Count gives a snapshot of how many people are experiencing homelessness in our community. As we look over the data from previous years, we are able to measure progress towards our goal of ending homelessness,” said Pat Frey, Executive Director of United Way’s Home For Good program. Frey notes that in the Chattahoochee Valley, surveyors don’t just “count.” They complete a short assessment of each individual/family that they encounter. “This assessment evaluates the needs of those surveyed, so that effective and efficient referrals can be made to community service providers,” she added.

For the second year, the survey was administered electronically by volunteers using an electronic tablet to record answers of survey participants. The Housing Authority of Columbus Georgia provided Wi-Fi for the tablets. Two United Way community partners teamed up to help with goodie boxes for the survey participants. Feeding The Valley Food Bank donated 250 boxes of food to be distributed during the PIT Count.

In 2018, PIT Count volunteers surveyed 279 homeless individuals. The highest count was in 2011 when nearly 500 individuals were surveyed.

“The Point In Time Count really is a group effort. United Way and Home For Good are so thankful for the volunteers, team leaders, and police officers who participate and make the Point In Time Count possible. The Home For Good staff always does an excellent job of coordinating this effort, and they continuously make strides in reducing homelessness in the Chattahoochee Valley,” said Scott Ferguson, President & CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley.