Transcript Slide 1
Balance of State Region Jason Rodriguez Georgia Department of Community Affairs Balance of State, Chatham, Clarke, Cobb, Muscogee, Richmond, Tri-J Separate efforts, different ways of counting Balance of State region covers 152 counties (out of 159 total) Homeless census in all counties = too costly! Some estimation is necessary Each Continuum of Care (CoC) must submit complete homeless counts for every county in their jurisdiction every two years. This must be a point-in-time (one-night) count during the last week of January. This year, we chose the point-in-time night to be Monday, January 28. Before 2008 Estimations based on poverty rate, etc. 2008, 2009, 2011 Statistical model (KSU) 2013 We are sticking with the statistical approach Statewide 19,876 total homeless on one night (down 6% ) 57% were unsheltered (no change) Balance of State 10,242 total homeless on one night (down 7%) 77% were unsheltered (down 2%) Worked for Pay in 30 Days Prior to Survey 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% Not at All 50% Day Labor 40% Part-Time 30% Full-Time 20% 10% 0% Unsheltered Homeless Sheltered Homeless Missing data rate: 12% Precariously Housed Other Homeless Nov 2: County targeting decisions made Nov 5: Funding decisions made Nov 14: Count coordinator meeting in Macon Dec 5: Conference call – updates, concerns Jan 21-25: Train volunteers Jan 29-Feb 4: Count Feb 14: Surveys due back to KSU Apr 20: KSU sends data to DCA It is possible we’ll be able to count in 80 counties this year Counties we may not provide funding for Lincoln, McDuffie, Warren, Jefferson, Burke, Glynn, Jones, Carroll, Worth, Colquitt, Dougherty, Mitchell, Thomas, Miller, Decatur, Glynn Overlapping county availability If you have experience coordinating DCA’s Census in the past, you will be chosen over someone who is not experienced We are expanding the census to a greater number of counties, but with less funds available per county. Many things would help a homeless census be more thorough and accurate, but we have to focus on the resources that are absolutely necessary. Contracts will be written up soon, and funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis. Acceptable costs Small incentives for survey respondents ($5 or less); flyers and other advertisements; meals, gas, and supplies for volunteers; travel and other reasonable compensation for staff; postage for mailing surveys Try to find additional sources of funding for: Appreciation luncheons/dinners, better or more incentives, special projects, miscellaneous Keep all your receipts! Please do not print or copy surveys on your own. They have to be professionally printed in a certain way. Overestimate how many surveys you will need, and DCA will provide them. This will save KSU tons of time and effort when scanning the surveys. Invest in a little advertising Make use of your connections (service clubs, churches, charities) Pursue corporate sponsorships Any successful strategies you would like to share? What has worked in the past? What hasn’t worked in the past? Advertise in the newspaper, on the radio, etc. Try to get local media outlets on board Contact churches, colleges, school boards, police departments, DFACS, etc. Don’t go it alone! Partner with other service providers. Any suggestions? What has worked? What hasn’t worked? After I inform you of county targeting decisions on Friday: Start establishing contacts immediately, and begin fundraising efforts as soon as possible. Meeting at River Edge in Macon on November 14, 10:30 AM. Updates, further discussion, questions, concerns, brainstorming