MACON, Ga. — An initiative is bringing together leaders from around the Macon-Bibb area in the latest move in the city's goal to end homelessness.
Reverend Jake Hall with United Way of Central Georgia is leading the initiative "United to End Homelessness," and presented it to commission leaders on Tuesday. Hall is working with the county to close the gap between shelters, health centers and other non-profit groups.
"We lack some data infrastructure in order to connect providers and also collect decentralized case management," Hall said. "We've worked with Macon-Bibb county in order to provide this resource to our community."
He's collected data from around the area through the "Show the Way" app and found the homeless population has been undercounted in recent years.
Macon-Bibb reported 160 people experiencing homelessness in 2023 between shelters and those living on the street.
But since they started using the app, Hall says they've learned the number is actually 250.
Hall says cities like Houston, Texas and Kansas City, Missouri have seen success using the data-informed approach.
The app provides a more accurate count and can connect providers and street outreach workers with law enforcement and mental health professionals who can make a more concerted effort to help those in need.
Macon's Salvation Army is part of the pilot phase. Sgt. Austin Sturdivant says the system can expedite help for those who seek their services.
"The app is definitely going to be able to help everybody work on not duplicating services and focus on the needs we have here in our community rather than the broad spectrum," Sturdivant said.
The analysis led by Hall is still ongoing.
There has not yet been a confirmed date for when the app will be available to the public.