NORTHEAST GEORGIA POVERTY ROUND TABLE BRINGS AWARENESS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS

By Ethan Jordan, WNEG Radio, Toccoa

In Stephens County, the Northeast Georgia Poverty Round Table gained valuable insights during discussions among local agencies to address poverty throughout the region.

On September 18, representatives from various social service agencies along with concerned citizens came together to learn about the role that poverty plays throughout our communities.

According to Salvation Army of Toccoa Social Worker Brenda Gragg, poverty is more than just homelessness, and the county is higher than expected in Stephens County alone.

“I’ve been keeping a count since January and these are pretty much verifiable homeless, but some are couch surfing, which DCA doesn’t use that as people considered homeless. It’s right around 180 people,” Gragg said.

Michael Fisher is the Housing Manager for the Ninth District Opportunity.

He says the key to addressing poverty in our area is to ensure every person is counted during the census.

He explained that for every person not counted in the census that reduces the amount of funding local agencies receive by $2,000 per year.

Fisher adds that despite the 180 homeless people in Stephens County, only 10 will be included in the state’s numbers.

“For Stephens County, we did a Point In Time Homeless survey in January. It was done statewide and nationwide. The number hasn’t been released publicly, but for Stephens County, the count was 10. Now, one of the things we have to take into account is the measure of homelessness, and it’s complicated because we use a different measuring system than school systems and other agencies,” he said.

Salvation Army’s Director of Project Share Mike Bradford presented information about how Project Share has a large impact in communities across the state.

Project Share provides emergency assistance to Georgians who need help with basic necessities – housing, food, medical care and utility services.

The Northeast Georgia Poverty Roundtable is made up of community partners and agencies from surrounding counties who have come together to create a plan to reduce poverty in our area.

According to Gragg the group meets on a regular basis, to plan the most effective way to address families and individuals who are facing challenges and need help and guidance towards their path to self-sufficiency.

Gragg says the meeting is open to the public and anyone fro surrounding counties is encouraged to participate.

For questions regarding the Northeast Georgia Poverty Round Table contact Gragg at 706-886-5293.