Buncombe County reports increase in unsheltered homelessness amidst housing funding challenges

In a recent briefing held by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, the spotlight was cast on the pressing issue of homelessness in the region, as officials reviewed the results of the annual Point in Time Count. This count, a crucial snapshot of homelessness conducted every January, revealed a concerning increase in unsheltered individuals, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the community.

On the night of January 28, volunteers and service providers fanned out across Buncombe County to gather data on those experiencing homelessness. The results showed a total of 755 individuals counted, with a notable rise of 109 unsheltered individuals compared to the previous year. This increase was partially attributed to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Halloween, which displaced many residents. The data also indicated a loss of 93 transitional housing beds, primarily due to flooding at the Veterans Restoration Quarters.

The briefing underscored the stark reality that the number of unhoused individuals continues to exceed the available shelter beds, with 612 beds reported on the night of the count. This gap raises critical questions about accessibility and utilization of existing resources, as many individuals remain unsheltered despite the availability of beds.

Demographic data from the count revealed significant disparities, particularly among racial and gender groups. While white individuals made up the largest portion of those experiencing homelessness, Black or African American individuals were disproportionately represented, accounting for 17.6% of respondents despite comprising only 6% of the county's population. Additionally, 65.8% of those counted identified as male, reflecting a national trend where men are more likely to experience homelessness.

The meeting also addressed the strategic planning efforts of the Continuum of Care (COC), which aims to tackle homelessness through targeted interventions. A new shelter planning workgroup was established to enhance emergency shelter capacity, particularly for low-barrier options. Furthermore, the COC is exploring funding opportunities to support individuals with lived experience of homelessness, emphasizing the importance of their insights in shaping effective solutions.

As the county prepares for its next COC board meeting on June 12, officials remain committed to addressing the complexities of homelessness in Buncombe County. The discussions from this briefing serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for collaboration, innovative strategies, and community engagement to create lasting change for those in need.