Agencies disagree on Augusta’s homeless numbers | The Augusta Chronicle

For the past three years, Rich­mond County has earned the distinction of having the state’s third-largest homeless population.

Stand Down for the Homeless is an Augusta event that provides clothing, haircuts and other items. Most agencies can’t agree on homeless numbers, though.

In January, volunteers counted nearly 800 homeless men, women and children living in shelters or on the street.

It wasn’t something to brag about, but it helped the city collect nearly $2 million in grants to combat homelessness.

Now, as the state finalizes its numbers for the nation’s annual homeless assessment report for Congress to determine future funding needs, the number is being challenged and debated – with housing officials, health care providers and social service agencies taking different positions on how large or small the city’s homeless population actually is.

Some agree it’s 800 as reported, while others say the number is lower, possibly 610, or perhaps no more than 140.

via Agencies disagree on Augusta’s homeless numbers | The Augusta Chronicle.