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FIVE YEAR SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PLAN <br /> FINAL REPORT <br /> II. Description of Chronicallv Homeless Population <br /> Definition of Chronic Homelessness <br /> This study adopted HUD's definition of chronic homelessness, which is also used by <br /> ICH and several other federal agencies: <br /> Chronic home/essness refers to an unaccompanied homeless individual with <br /> a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or <br /> more or has had at least four(4) episodes of homelessness in the past three <br /> (3) years. To be considered chronically homeless, persons musf have been <br /> sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation (e.g., living on the str�eets) <br /> and/or in an emergency shelter during that time. <br /> This definition incorporates those who live constantly on the streets or shelters, as well <br /> as those who experience cyclical homelessness and sometimes have a place to sleep <br /> (usually with relatives or friends) but periodically sleep in shelters, streets, <br /> encampments or abandoned buildings. <br /> It is important to bear in mind that the chronically homeless make up a minority of the <br /> total homeless population. In Macon County only 10-15% of those on the streets or in <br /> shelters on any given night fit the definition of chronic homelessness. The other 85-90% <br /> are families, persons without disabilities, or those who are rarely homeless.4 , <br /> Data_Gatherinq and Research Methodolo�v <br /> The planning team designed a survey instrument (included in the attachments) to gather <br /> data about persons who are chronically homeless. Using check boxes and code, the <br /> instrument was designed to accommodate ten entries on each page. The instrument <br /> allowed for recording the following data about each person: <br /> • Identifier Code <br /> 4 The Macon County Homeless Council conducts biennial"Point-in-Time" studies counting the homeless <br /> in a given 24-hour period. The March 31, 2004 Point-in-Time study is the source of the above data. The <br /> study found 47 chronically homeless people sleeping in shelters or on the streets that night. The study <br /> found 320 non-chronically homeless people, including 267 people in families. <br /> PAGE 5 <br />