Mission Ministries Alliance Conducts Annual Point-in-Time Count for McDowell County

Everyone Counts!

What is the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count? The Point-in-Time Count is a nationwide effort to collect data on homelessness in local communities, providing a snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night. This critical data helps local agencies, policymakers, and service providers better understand the needs of those without stable housing and informs funding, resources, and strategic planning at the state, federal, and agency levels.

This year’s Point-in-Time (PIT) Count was a true community effort, with the support of several partner organizations dedicated to improving the well-being of our neighbors. A huge thank you to McDowell Access to Care and Health (MATCH) for their unwavering commitment to McDowell County as an overall resource navigator, Vaya Health for expanding access to housing, and Foothills Food Hub for ensuring nutritious food access for those in need. Appreciation also goes to Freedom Life Ministries for supporting individuals in reentry, Centro Unido for providing culturally inclusive services for Hispanic and Latino communities, and the Western Piedmont Council of Government. These partners played a vital role in delivering direct services and resources, contributing to the health, wellness, and stability of individuals experiencing homelessness in McDowell County.

Preliminary data from the PIT Count shows:

➡74 individuals were found living in unsheltered locations throughout McDowell County—places not meant for human habitation such as cars, abandoned buildings, or outdoor encampments.

➡ 35 women and children were sheltered at the Friendship Home, receiving safe housing and supportive services.

➡ 21 men were sheltered at the John Thompson Center for Men, receiving safe housing and supportive services. 

This data should be alarming for anyone who has a heart for people in our community. The question is often raised: Are people being bused in? The answer is no. In fact, reports and data show that 82% of these individuals are from McDowell County, and 79% report disabling conditions that impact their housing stability.

As we reflect on these numbers, let us remember the words of Matthew 25:35—"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Addressing homelessness is a shared responsibility, and together, through faith and action, we can make a difference in the lives of one of our most vulnerable, marginalized populations in our county.