The non-profit Community Shelter Board will lead the annual point-in-time count for people experiencing homelessness in Franklin County. The count is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to take place within the last 10 days of January.
Data from the point-in-time count is integral for cities and organizations to receive funding and allocate resources to homeless populations. Data also can indicate which demographics need more resources.
Steve Skovensky, Chief Program Effectiveness Officer for Community Shelter Board, says the organization is expecting an increase in this year's count.
“We are in the middle of what could be a projected 68% increase in unsheltered homelessness,” Skovenksy said. “That's due to the lack of affordable housing options, it's due to all those external factors.”
One demographic that Skovensky says is seeing an increase in homelessness are senior citizens.
“We'll use the data [from the count] as well to look at trends that we're seeing. We saw a big increase in people experiencing chronic homelessness last year. We've been tracking increases in seniors experiencing homelessness," Skovensky said.
However, Skovensky says that same data has created recommendations for funding areas that could see a 38% decrease in homelessness over the next three years.
The count is set to take place on Jan. 23.
The Community Shelter Board is still looking for volunteers to assist. Click here to find information about volunteering.