Chatham County's New Homeless Count May Signal Progress

Local officials say this year's Point-in-Time data could show a decline in homelessness.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Chatham County recently conducted its annual Point-in-Time count of people experiencing homelessness, and local officials say the data may show progress toward reducing homelessness in the area. The count involves volunteers surveying the homeless population across the county over a 24-hour period. While the full results have not been formally released, the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless expects the numbers to be 'good news' and indicate the community is getting closer to 'functional zero' for veteran homelessness.

Why it matters

The Point-in-Time count is crucial for securing federal funding to address homelessness, as the data is used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to allocate resources. It also provides valuable insights into the local homeless population, including the number of veterans, those with substance use disorders, and those experiencing chronic homelessness.

The details

On January 29, 97 volunteers conducted the Point-in-Time count, speaking with people experiencing homelessness throughout Chatham County from 6 a.m. to midnight. The survey collects detailed information, such as whether respondents are veterans or have substance use or mental health disorders. Last year, the count found 628 people experiencing homelessness, with 73% in local shelters and 27% unsheltered. The Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless says veteran homelessness is 'so close to a functioning zero,' thanks in part to its Tiny House Project that provides housing for dozens of U.S. military veterans. However, the authority notes that chronic homelessness remains a challenge, with 11-19% of the homeless population falling into that category.

  • The Point-in-Time count was conducted on January 29, 2026.
  • The full results of the 2026 count will be announced at a meeting in May 2026.

The players

Jennifer DuLong

The executive director of the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless.

Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH)

A local organization that conducts the annual Point-in-Time count and operates housing programs for the homeless in Chatham County.

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What they’re saying

“It's gonna be good news.”

— Jennifer DuLong, Executive Director, Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless (savannahnow.com)

“The Point-in-Time count helps with community narrative in assumptions about the homeless. This is where we teach our community about how to speak about homelessness.”

— Jennifer DuLong, Executive Director, Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless (savannahnow.com)

What’s next

The full results of the 2026 Point-in-Time count will be announced at a meeting in May 2026.

The takeaway

While more work remains to be done, the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless believes the latest Point-in-Time count data will show progress in reducing homelessness in the area, particularly for the veteran population. The count provides crucial insights to help the community better understand and address the complex issue of homelessness.