Charleston’s Homelessness Situation Remains Steady
In the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina, the topic of homelessness continues to be a pressing issue, but the latest data reveals that the situation has remained relatively steady this year. On January 24, 2024, the annual Point in Time Count took place, shedding light on how many individuals are experiencing homelessness across several counties in the Lowcountry area, including Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Jasper.
A Quick Snapshot of the Count
The Lowcountry Continuum of Care, an organization dedicated to addressing homelessness, conducted the count from dawn to dusk, aiming to get a one-night snapshot of the community’s needs. According to Stacey Denaux, the CEO of One80 Place, “A Point in Time Count really does give you a snapshot; it’s not a deep census type count; it really is more observation and snapshot.” This means that the data provides a glimpse into the current homelessness situation rather than a comprehensive overview.
This year, the count identified a total of 484 individuals experiencing homelessness on that single night. Out of those, 41% were sheltered while 59% were unsheltered. Charleston County reported the highest number of unsheltered individuals, at a total of 97.
Understanding Chronic Homelessness
Additionally, the 2024 count revealed that 122 people were classified as chronically homeless. This term refers to those who have either been homeless for a year or more or have experienced repeated instances of homelessness along with a disabling condition. Understanding the makeup of those experiencing homelessness is crucial for providing the right assistance.
Denaux highlighted the importance of this data, stating, “Those people are vulnerable just by virtue of being outside; many of them are older, some of them may actually be families.” Recognizing who is unsheltered allows local organizations to allocate resources more effectively to meet their specific needs.
Historical Context
When we look back at previous years, comparing the 2024 numbers to last year’s can prove challenging. In 2023, only four counties participated in the count, leading to a reported total of 404 individuals experiencing homelessness. That year tallied 215 unsheltered people and 189 in shelters, with 91 deemed chronically homeless.
While Denaux mentioned that they haven’t noted any dramatic changes in the overall count over the years, she urged that this annual snapshot shouldn’t be confused with the reality of homelessness throughout the entire year. “We are not saying that only 500 people or 484 people across our community will experience homelessness over the course of the year,” she explained. Estimates suggest that between 3,000 and 4,000 people might face homelessness at some point during the year, even if it’s not on the night of the count.
The Bigger Picture
The Point in Time Count is a vital requirement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to secure funding for homeless services. For instance, in 2023, Charleston received $3.8 million to provide a range of services, from permanent housing solutions to data collection.
The Way Forward
So, what’s the answer to homelessness? According to Denaux, the solution lies in housing. “We’re always going to place a priority on housing,” she asserts, emphasizing that the focus should remain on identifying and assisting the most vulnerable individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Allocating resources effectively can help transition those individuals from living outside to having a place to call home.
As Charleston continues to flourish as one of the fastest-growing states, it’s crucial to remember those who struggle with homelessness within our community. With dedicated efforts and funding aimed at addressing this issue, there is hope that in the coming years, these numbers can improve as a testament to a city that cares for all its residents.
