Continuum of Care presents PIT and HMIS data showing service demand rise; council receives report
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Summary
The Fayetteville–Cumberland Continuum of Care reported 2025 point‑in‑time (PIT) data and year‑round HMIS figures showing a broader set of needs: 383 counted on PIT night, HMIS-served totals of 845 people and 553 households, increased transitional housing placements and high referral numbers; council received the presentation and asked for continued collaboration with county and nonprofits.
Dr. Deborah Harris, chair of the Fayetteville‑Cumberland Continuum of Care (COC), presented the 2025 point‑in‑time (PIT) and HMIS (homeless management information system) data and outlined gaps and operational needs.
Dr. Harris said the PIT count was conducted on Jan. 24 (rescheduled from Jan. 23 because of weather) and recorded about 383 people on that 24‑hour snapshot. She emphasized that HMIS year‑round reporting shows broader demand: 553 households and 845 people served during the reporting period, and 2,580 referrals recorded in seven months — illustrating that referrals and service needs outpace the PIT snapshot. The COC noted growth in transitional housing outcomes but a decline in permanent supportive housing attributed to the loss of two providers.
The presentation highlighted three recurring needs in coordinated intake data: emergency shelter, utility assistance and rental assistance; white‑flag shelter nights and shelter capacity pressures were discussed as immediate short‑term issues. Dr. Harris also asked for more volunteers for the upcoming PIT count and for better systems use by partner agencies to reduce data gaps.
Councilmember McNair moved to receive the COC presentation; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously. Council discussed county responsibility for white‑flag activations and funding and asked staff to continue coordination with county and community providers.
Next steps: the COC will continue coordinated intake improvements, recruit PIT volunteers for January 2026 and work with staff to align municipal support with county‑led shelter and service efforts.
