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The Appalachian Regional Coalition on Homelessness (ARCH) conducted Point-in-Time (PIT) surveys in Bristol, Tennessee, revealing an increase in homelessness. These surveys, required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, help allocate funding for unhoused populations.

Volunteers began surveying at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, with Doug Murray from ARCH noting the need to actively search for homeless individuals, as many do not wish to be found. According to volunteer Jill Smeltzer, initial findings indicate that the number of unhoused individuals has nearly doubled compared to last year.

Reasons for homelessness include financial struggles, mental health issues, and addiction. ARCH and the Salvation Army provide various resources, including therapy, food, and shelter information. They also distributed gift bags containing essential supplies to unhoused individuals during the surveys.