Annual report reveals rise in local homeless population

NO PLACE TO GO: The latest Point-in-Time report shows that chronic homelessness in Buncombe County jumped 50% from last year.

The annual Point-in-Time survey, which tallies the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the country, found a 50% increase in the chronic homeless population in Buncombe County from last year, while overall homelessness in the county rose by 4%.

The Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Initiative, a joint committee of the city of Asheville and Buncombe County, collected data assembled during one day, Jan. 30. Area homeless shelters and more than two dozen volunteers performed the count. Brian Huskey, Asheville-Buncombe Homelessness Initiative staff liaison, notes that homeless populations fluctuate throughout the year and that the Point-in-Time data is meant to provide an estimate for the county.

“While a one-night count doesn’t represent everyone who experiences homelessness throughout the year, it is a useful annual snapshot that helps us to track trends over time,” Huskey said in a May 3 press release.

The survey also found increases among multiple homeless subpopulations, including homeless families, which rose by just over 5%. Homeless veterans only saw a 3.6% increase from last year but made up the largest portion of the local homeless population, with more than 250 people counted in the 2019 survey. The number of unaccompanied homeless youth and young adults also experienced a 26% jump.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, gathering specific data regarding homeless populations through Point-in-Time counts helps communities attract resources, increase public awareness and adequately serve their homeless residents.

In spring 2017, Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Commissioners adopted the Five Year Strategic Plan on Homelessness, which aims to establish annual goals that address the needs of subpopulations within the homeless community. The plan also seeks to increase affordable housing initiatives through public-private partnerships.

The Point-in-Time survey is required for communities that receive federal funds from the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants program. The full report was submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last month.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

2 thoughts on “Annual report reveals rise in local homeless population

  1. Enlightened Enigma

    Intelligent and city positive decisions by the LEADERS of the city could reduce the influx …. we suffer the additional burdens of extra ‘travelers’ who appear to be homeless but technically are not, unless they choose to live that way which some do…nonetheless, they begin to take full advantage of the local free accommodations…it’s becoming problematic…one way bus tickets to another destination is a way out…is there a charity that does this? They would be welcomed back with certified employment here.

  2. dude

    When I need a key to use a bathroom next to the Biltmore, its wise not to live nearby.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.