We’ve all had growing awareness of homeless people in Cherokee County, including children and veterans. A statue dedicated in January at Veteran’s Park depicts two homeless veterans. It’s a beautiful yet cold and constant reminder of this problem. At that dedication, I pledged to help in some way. I don’t think we can stand by with vulnerable and better-deserving folks suffering.
A spot-count, taken two years ago, showed almost 300 homeless people in our county. Most of them had found somewhere indoor to sleep for that night, mostly with friends or relatives. But they had no real place to live. Tragically, about 67 were unsheltered − literally out in the cold. Another count was taken recently. We don’t have the results yet, but no one expects lower numbers.
I talked about the problem with Kendall Jones and Greg Elder of MUST Ministries. They’re doing great work in this area. They don’t have an emergency shelter in Cherokee, but they can provide motel vouchers to a limited number of people for up to 30 days. They also can provide some emergency help to people who are facing eviction, to help them to stay in their homes. And, they provide longer-term housing support for others, to help them get back on their feet and transition into stable independent housing.
But, they’re forced to turn many away. On the night of the spot-count in January 2017, there were 67 people living in cars, in the woods, or otherwise out in the cold. Kendall, Greg and I talked about ways the county could help. One option we discussed was renting apartments to use for emergency sheltering, longer-term transitional housing, or both, as needed. The daily cost of each unit would be far less than the $75 per day that motel rooms cost. We discussed that $100,000 per year could rent up to 20 such apartments that could house two to four people each. In theory, at least, they could house most of the 67 people who were out in the cold at the last known count. We discussed that $100,000 is less than one tenth of 1 percent of the county’s operating budget. It seems like we can afford that.
It’s just a concept at this point. I want the county to help in a meaningful way, with priority given to veterans and children. But, there might be other, more effective ways. What do you think? Can and should we commit one tenth of 1 percent of the county’s budget to significantly close the unsheltered homelessness gap in our county? Can we afford not to? Please email me about it at hjohnston@cherokeega.com.
– Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.
Yes we absolutely MUST help the homeless in this county!!!. I agree with priority to veterans and children (and their parents). We also need to help the most difficult group — the chronically mentally ill. They are ill, but they are still human beings who need help.
I am a single mom with three kids and as of right now I am homeless. I live in the Cherokee family violence center and no one wants to help. I have called around to resources that were given from must ministries as well as Salvation Army. I do not have anywhere to go. Technically I have a home but it won’t be ready until the 1st of november. I have run out of resources. I have been in an out of hotels a little over a week now and I have depleted all of my funds doing that. Please can anyone help or offer assistance. Anything is appreciated, whether they it’s a number or even jus a prayer I could use a lot of those right about now. I can be reached at 6788478257… my name is Christina
Hello, The $100,00o a year could be used to purchase property and build a facility to house homeless individuals and have the ability to have a kitchen where food would be provided. Also, counseling for addictions and abuse need to be available. Additionally, a program to help with job search and how to dress, with vouchers from some local consignment shops.. I am in my masters program in Clinical Counseling, and would like to help make a difference in Cherokee County.
I just wanted to say I was one of those homeless people I draw a ssi check I don’t drink and don’t do drugs I been homeless for 6 years if it was not for two people that live in cherokee county that took me in I will still live in a tent I cry everyday but I been blessed while I was getting my ssi I worked everyday this people seen how hard working I felt with a lot some night my friend would call late at night to check on me I took bath with cold water from dollar tree if people ever think want a homeless go through if it was not for must timothy lutheran and the ymca my life would of been hell I just want something we’re I call home for the homeless to be able to shower and get a good night sleep I’m just saying this maybe it would change the community mind on a shelter I just want to say If you see someone in need 3 dollar would buy them a meal I keep 20 dollar if I see someone in need I give that money to that person I had a little old lady give me 10 dollar I was starving I got a hot meal because hotel took all my money and I did not get paid for 4 days I told you everything I went through I hope this change the heart of the community there need to be something in this town to give hope to needed
We need help
Hi, my name is Tina and I know an older man who sits outside the Dollar Tree and other places here in Canton, with his belongings in about 5 or 6 bags or boxes. He is polite and friendly and able to work, but he has been homeless for a while now (not sure exactly how long.) I don’t have much money myself or I’d get him a hotel room or rent him a room in an apartment or something. Cold weather is upon us and he will not survive out in cold temperatures. I am a single woman and I live in small accommodations, I cannot take anyone in.
If anyone can provide shelter or knows of resources, please let me know and I’ll give the man the information. I told him that I would do some digging and ask people and make calls to try to find him help.
Thank you kindly,
Tina C.
I’ve been calling around Acworth and Woodstock areas , I want to start volunteering at wherever I’m needed . I’ve got experience with Domestic Violence housing as well as homeless shelters
I try to go out once a month with prepared food boxes where I know people are sleeping. I’m only one person though and don’t have a lot but I’m willing to share