Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Kennesaw State University & other partners collaborate on first statewide study of homelessness .

Do you know the story of Million Dollar Murray? A February 2006 article in the New Yorker told the story of Murray Barr, a chronically homeless man living in Reno, Nevada. Police officers had many interactions with Murray over the years. They began tallying costs – for arrests, incarcerations, ambulance service and hospitalizations – over a 10-year period. Said Officer Patrick O’Bryan, “It cost us one million dollars not to do something about Murray.”

So, what is the impact of homelessness in Georgia? How many people are homeless in Georgia? Is Georgia’s homeless population old or young, located in the cities, suburbs or rural areas? What are the main causes of homeless in Georgia?

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Kennesaw State University and a number of other partners collaborated to look at homelessness statewide. The report, Homeless In Georgia 2008, represents an effort to provide an overview of the state’s homeless problem and what is being done to address it. Findings presented in Homeless In Georgia 2008 study offer the first “statewide” look at homelessness.

The report’s core was a count of homeless individuals on a single night in January 2008 and the analysis of the count data using an innovative sampling methodology and predictive model developed by KSU faculty.

Please join DCA, KSU, State Housing Trust Fund Members, homeless advocates and other experts as Homeless In Georgia 2008 is unveiled and discussed on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at the Genesis Shelter in Atlanta, GA.

WHO

• Mike Beatty, Commissioner – Georgia Department of Community Affairs
• Walter Huntley, Jr., Chairman, State Housing Trust Fund For The Homeless
• Dr. Jennifer L. Priestley, Professor – Kennesaw State University, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
• Dr. Lindsay Stillman, Planning Coordinator, Georgia Department of Community Affairs
• Homelessness Experts/ Service Providers

WHAT

• Study Briefing, Photo-Ops and On-Site Interviews
• Genesis Shelter officials will also offer a facility tour for any interested media

WHEN/ WHERE

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 – 1:00 PM

Genesis Shelter – 173 Boulevard, NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 – Second Floor. Genesis is located at the intersection of Boulevard and I 75/ 85 Freedom Parkway Exit. Parking is available behind the shelter and on the street. For more detailed directions or questions about parking, please call Genesis officials at (404) 522-6056.