CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This week, 160 volunteers will pan out across Mecklenburg County to conduct the annual Point-In-Time Count.
"This really gives a great snapshot of what you know what, what really is happening," Pat Cotham, Mecklenburg County Commissioner and homeless advocate, said on this week's Flashpoint.
Cotham estimated there are currently 3,200 people experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County.
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On the night of Wednesday, January 25, 2023, and during the day on Thursday, January 26, 2023, volunteers will take to the streets to help understand the size and scope of the homeless population here in Mecklenburg County. Cotham said for the first time the count will also include six of the towns in the county outside Charlotte.
"It's very helpful to gain this information so we can really identify and allocate resources from the county and nonprofits in the city as well," Cotham said.
The count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for towns to receive federal funds.
Charlotte continues to be one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, and affordable housing consistently remains one of the most pressing issues facing residents, according to city leaders.
"We're really, really growing. 121 individuals every day moved to the city of Charlotte, all looking for affordable housing," Malcolm Graham, city councilman, said.
Cotham said the housing and homelessness crisis remains a complicated issue to fix.
"I don't believe there's one solution. I think these issues are so complicated. We have to kind of circle it and hit it from many different angles," Cotham said.
Data from the 2023 Point-in-Time Count will be released in Fall 2023.
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