Point‑in‑Time count set for late January; city highlights rising homelessness among women and children

Pat Frey and Holly Browder briefed council on the annual Point‑in‑Time (PIT) count that begins late January. Frey described the PIT as both an enumeration and a short needs assessment interview used to guide referrals and service planning; volunteers will meet at United Way for evening and early‑morning shifts with law‑enforcement escorts (CPD, Muscogee County Sheriff, Russell County)-assisted teams for unsheltered outreach.

Presenters emphasized HUD definitions that exclude self‑paid hotel stays from the federally counted homeless population but noted outreach teams regularly visit motels when housing or crisis needs are reported. Browder reported the prior year showed an 11% increase in the unsheltered/sheltered total and a rise in women and children experiencing homelessness; they identified about 32 unsheltered sites and seven shelters on the city’s radar. The VA, presenters said, has agreed to provide emergency housing the same day for verified veterans, which helps limit veteran homelessness in the PIT figures.

Councilors asked for a map of shelter locations and clarification on hotel outreach procedures. Staff said Georgia Tech’s housing study (Alan Durham) will return for deeper review and that the PIT is a tool to identify trends and referrals rather than an exhaustive enumeration. Council encouraged broad volunteer participation and asked staff to return with post-count mapping and analysis once the PIT is complete.