The public is invited to assist in counting the homeless on January 28, gathering vital data for local services and support.
This nationwide effort is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Vivian Walker, an advocate for homeless programs, mentioned that the data collected is crucial for local officials and non-profits. It helps shape budgets for essential services like food assistance and healthcare.
Cindy Turner, who has led the count in Cumberland County for years, shared that volunteers often walk to known areas where homeless individuals stay, like under bridges or in parking lots. They ask questions from HUD’s survey to gather information about age, race, and gender.
This year, several organizations, including the Bread of Life and the health department, are joining in. If anyone has information about homeless individuals, they can reach out to Turner via email or phone. It’s important to note that only those in the most critical situations are counted, as defined by HUD.
Walker pointed out that the main issue driving homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, a problem that has worsened since 2020. The last count revealed 382 homeless individuals in the Upper Cumberland area, with many living in emergency shelters or unsheltered.
In 2024, Cumberland County reported 73 homeless individuals, while Putnam County had 116. Overall, HUD reported over 8,000 homeless people across Tennessee in 2024. This count is a step towards understanding and addressing the needs of the homeless community.
