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Early estimates from LAMP's local homeless count show roughly 150 people experiencing homelessness in Lowndes County, more than in previous years.
"Homelessness isn't anybody's problem… it's everybody's problem."
That's the message leaders at Lowndes Associated Ministries to People say they want the community to hear as new numbers show homelessness rising in Lowndes County.
Early estimates from LAMP's Street Initiative's local homeless count show roughly 150 people experiencing homelessness across the county — more than in previous years — and leaders say that's just the ones they know about.
But leaders say the numbers only tell part of the story.
Programs like Youth Rapid Rehousing and the 25+ Housing Initiative have already helped 40 neighbors move into homes, covering their first month's rent and utilities so they can start over.
One of those neighbors is Tammy Seymour, who says she was recently living day-to-day without knowing what might happen next. Before finding stable housing, Seymour says survival meant constant fear.
"I lived everyday of my life in fear never knowing if today was the day something would happen to me," Seymour said.
Now that she's in a home, Seymour says the biggest challenge many people face isn't unwillingness to work — it's the cost of living.
"People in power know this isn't affordable. $1,000 for rent here when most people in Valdosta barely makes $15 an hour is crazy," Seymour said.
But keeping programs like rapid rehousing alive is getting harder. Leaders say federal housing funding cuts are trickling down through the state, threatening the money that helps cover rent and utilities for people transitioning out of homelessness.
That's why LAMP is now turning to the community — planning fundraisers like a charity dodgeball tournament in April and a fall gala, with a goal of raising at least $100,000 to keep those housing programs running.
While the final homeless count numbers aren't in just yet, leaders say one thing is already clear — the need is growing, and so is the call for community support.
Registration for LAMP's charity dodgeball tournament closes April 3rd, with the event set for April 18th.
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