Aiken County Faces Rising Homelessness Crisis

News Summary

As winter tightens its grip on Aiken County, local leaders are addressing the escalating homelessness crisis. An Annual Point in Time survey aims to shed light on the growing number of individuals experiencing homelessness, which surged from 21 in 2023 to 65 in 2024. Local shelters are overwhelmed, while community efforts are focused on finding solutions, including a proposed tiny home village. Volunteers are needed as officials advocate for increased resources to combat this pressing issue.

Aiken County Faces Rising Homelessness Crisis

As the cold grips Aiken County, local leaders are stepping up their efforts to address the growing homelessness crisis. Conducting the Annual Point in Time survey on the night of January 22nd, the aim is to get a clearer picture of how many individuals are currently experiencing homelessness in the area. This year, volunteers will fan out across neighborhoods to count and speak with those who slept in camps, shelters, and soup kitchens.

An Alarming Increase

The numbers tell a tough story. The area reported only 21 unhoused individuals in 2023, but that figure skyrocketed to 65 in 2024. Aiken County is grappling with this tough issue, made worse by harsh winter conditions that have left many without safe shelter during both the day and nighttime hours.

Local Shelters Strain Under Demand

Despite the increase in need, local shelters are almost bursting at the seams. The Salvation Army in Aiken has been doing its part by providing 44 beds for men, women, and families. In an effort to meet this growing demand, the shelter has even expanded its men’s dormitory capacity. However, they have expressed a pressing need for food donations to ensure they can continue offering warm meals to those in need.

Living Conditions and Safety Concerns

Sadly, many individuals without a home have taken refuge in abandoned buildings, highlighting a significant shortage of safe and sufficient shelter options. There is a sincere need for landlords to maintain and secure these vacant properties to discourage homelessness in the community.

Innovative Solutions on the Table

One idea that’s being discussed is the establishment of a tiny home village designed to provide affordable housing for the unhoused population. However, this initiative comes with its challenges, as it would require changes in local zoning laws to permit homes smaller than 450 square feet.

Affordable Housing Woes

The financial reality is staggering. Aiken County residents would need to earn around $19.56 an hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment, a wage that far surpasses what many local low-wage jobs provide. This gap in affordable housing is a significant driver of the homelessness crisis.

Community Efforts and Volunteer Opportunities

resource center that could serve as a lifeline for many in need.

The Point in Time count isn’t far off, scheduled for January 23-26, and volunteers are needed to help with the effort. Training sessions will be held on January 18 at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center, attracting those eager to contribute to their community. The Aiken coalition is particularly in need of volunteers in the Valley area due to staff shortages.

Safety First

Local law enforcement will be on hand to provide safety during the survey activities. They have made it clear that their role will focus on support and protection rather than engaging with unhoused individuals, unless absolutely required. This helps ensure a safe environment for both volunteers and those experiencing homelessness.

Calls for Increased resources

As the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise, local officials are actively campaigning for more resources and initiatives to tackle this escalating problem. The community coming together can make a difference—whether through volunteering, donating supplies, or advocating for policy changes. Every little bit helps in the journey to combat homelessness in Aiken County.

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Additional Resources

• WJBF: Increasing Homelessness in Aiken County
• WFXG: Aiken Coalition Seeks Solutions to Homelessness Crisis
• MSN: Aiken County Homeless Coalition to Hold Point in Time Count
• AOL: Aiken Organizations Prepare for Cold Temperatures
• WRDW: Aiken Homeless Shelter Struggles as Need Rises
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States