CFHCOC coducts census of homeless population
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Homeless Continuum of Care conducted its annual census of New Hanover County’s homeless population on Wednesday. The group is a council made up of around 40 local organizations and conducts a yearly count in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties.
The annual report helps organizations to determine how to provide services effectively.
Homeless Services Director for the Cape Fear Council of Governments Andrea Stough says the report is mandated across the country.
“HUD requires folks to do a point-in-time count and they’re required to do it in the last ten days in January,” Stough said. “So, it just means communities all across the country are embarking on the same mission together. We’re really trying to find the scope of homelessness in our communities.”
Program Director for the Department of Social Services in New Hanover County Libraries LaCretia Keith said respondents were asked several questions similar to the ones found on the U.S. census.
“So they are basic questions,” Keith said. “They don’t even have to give their name if they don’t want to. They give their age, how long they’ve been homeless, where they sleep last night is most important.”
Keith added that the participants received bags with essential care items for taking part in the count.
“So, it’s a bag with toiletries and snacks, and handwarmers, scarves, socks,” Keith noted. “Basic needs that they need during this weather.”
Homeless Services Director Andrea Stough says there are a number of factors behind the area’s growing unhoused population. One of the biggest is affordable housing.
“I think you could ask pretty much anyone,” Stough said. “I think there is a lack of affordable housing. We are a popular place to be, and I think we do see a lot of folks coming to the community and for a lot of folks the resources are not keeping up with the cost of things.”
The CFHCOC will conduct its count of Brunswick County’s unhoused population Thursday, and Pender County on Friday. Bladen and Columbus counties will also receive a count from their respective agencies.
