Homeless Definition:
Lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including sleeping in a temporary location (shelters, motels, others’ couches) or places not designated for human habitation (cars, tents, abandoned buildings. (HUD)
Some Homeless Stats:
- 51% of Americans are one paycheck away from homelessness
- Over the last 5 years, the number of beds for the homeless has decreased
- Homelessness increased (for the third consecutive year) in 20192
Homeless increased in total by 3%
Homeless individuals increased by 11%
- Men constitute 61% of the homeless population
- Veterans constitute 7% of the homeless population
- Over 200,000 homeless adults are over the age of 50
- 20% of homeless people work full-time
Another 20%-30% work part-time
- 10,443 Georgians were homeless on any given night in 2018
- 7,586 adults w/o children were homeless on any given night in GA in 2019
- 815 adults w/ children were homeless on any given night in GA in 2019
- 74 children alone were homeless on any given night in GA in 2019
- There are only 4,702 beds available for the homeless in Georgia
- 38% of the Homeless in Georgia are unsheltered on any given night
- Georgia has the 9th highest homeless population
The founders of Impact West GA have served the community through church ministries that address hunger and literacy since 1999. In 2004, Impact West GA was founded as a nonprofit organization in response to a request from the city to expand their ministry to address the increase of homeless men in our area.
HOPE is a holistic, transition program for men who desire to move from homelessness into their own homes and live self-sufficiently. Unlike a traditional shelter, at Impact West GA’s HOPE Center, homeless men have a place to call home, three meals a day, laundry facilities, a warm bed, an address, and support. They live with dignity while they focus on rebuilding their lives. The Men of HOPE work hard to earn an income so that they can afford to pay rent on their own homes one day soon. They diligently save so they’ll have needed deposits when the time comes to transition. They spend months searching for an apartment or home they can afford.