Murphy – A count of Cherokee County’s homeless population conducted by volunteers on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 showed 141 homeless people without any shelter at all, with an additional 77 who have temporary shelter but no permanent housing.
The survey showed a homeless population that is 57 percent men and 43 percent women, with nine children.
In addition to the unsheltered population, 26 had temporary shelter including staying at friends’ and relatives’ homes or the homeless shelter in Murphy, 48 in jail and three in hospital.
The survey, called a “Point in Time” (PIT) count, was conducted throughout North Carolina. Data from the count is used to determine state and federal funding to address homeless issues.
The count is conducted in winter months to reveal the true number of profoundly homeless people – people who for whatever reason have no housing options even in the depth of winter.
The PIT count does not include people who are temporarily housed, but local organizers conducted a side count to get a better grasp of the local homeless issue.
“The survey, while comprehensive, likely did not account for all individuals experiencing homelessness, as many could not be located during the survey’s daytime operational hours,” said Mayor Tim Radford, who participated in the PIT count. “This limitation is recognized and underscores the complexity of accurately assessing the full scope of homelessness in our area.”
Radford said Murphy is actively collaborating with local and regional leaders to develop and implement effective solutions to this pressing issue.
“We recognize the critical need for affordable housing in far-western North Carolina and are optimistic about the potential impact of state and federal funding aimed at addressing this challenge,” he said.
“Our commitment to resolving the issue of homelessness and improving housing affordability remains steadfast. We will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders and pursue all available avenues for support and funding to create meaningful change in our community.”