Last week, Asheville Buncombe County Continuum of Car released its latest Point-in-Time count of people experiencing homelessness. The headline number is clear: 824 people, a 9% increase from last year.
Numbers like this matter. They should concern us. But they also need to be understood in context.
The Point-in-Time count is not a full picture of homelessness. It is a snapshot — one dataset among many. It offers a moment in time, not the whole story. At the same time, we should not ignore what it is telling us.
A system that is working
As CEO of Homeward Bound, I see firsthand the work happening across our community every day. Our homelessness response system is working on an individual level. People are moving out of homelessness daily. Outreach teams are connecting with individuals on the street. Shelters are providing safety and stability. Housing programs are helping people rebuild their lives…