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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN ( January 24, 2005 ) — Social learning students at Milligan College will help the Appalachian Regional Coalition on Homeless (ARCH) conduct a study on January 26 and 27 of the area’s homeless. The survey results will be used to obtain additional funds to help the region’s itinerant population, particularly with housing needs.
In the most recent study conducted by ARCH, there were 396 homeless people identified in the counties of Johnson, Carter, Unicoi, Washington, Sullivan, Greene, Hawkins and Hancock. Nearly 50 percent sleep without shelter and approximately 25 percent do not receive government assistance for food or medical care.
This new study will identify the demographics of the local homeless population and individuals who may be in need of assistance in finding housing.
Agencies involved in the study include Salvation Army in Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol; Haven of Mercy in Johnson City; Interfaith Hospitality Network in Johnson City; Downtown Clinic in Johnson City; and Good Samaritan Ministries in Johnson City.
Milligan’s social learning students were selected by ARCH to gather information from the homeless at shelters, camps and service locations in the counties of Johnson, Carter, Unicoi, Washington, Sullivan and Hancock. Tusculum College students will assist in Greene County and Hawkins County.
This is the second year Milligan has helped conduct a study of this type. Students will gather demographic information, health information, family information, and whether the person has served in the military.
Participation by the homeless in the study is completely voluntary and answers are kept private.
For more information, please contact Joy Drinnon, professor of psychology at Milligan College, at 423.461.8661.