During a recent government meeting, United Housing Connections presented an update on their initiatives to combat homelessness in Greenville County. The meeting featured the introduction of Candace Timmerman, the new CEO, who emphasized the organization's mission to connect individuals at risk of homelessness to safe and affordable housing.

Timmerman outlined the structure of United Housing Connections, which includes four divisions: the Continuum of Care, affordable housing, supportive housing programs, and street outreach. The organization currently manages 396 affordable housing units and collaborates with over 80 service providers to address homelessness in the region.

A significant focus of the presentation was the recent homeless point-in-time count, which recorded 725 individuals experiencing literal homelessness in Greenville County, a decrease from 938 in 2014. Timmerman noted that 155 of these individuals were unsheltered, highlighting ongoing challenges in providing adequate support.

Thomas Wood, the lead outreach worker, discussed the importance of building trust with individuals experiencing homelessness. He shared success stories of connecting people to housing and services, emphasizing the need for personalized care. The outreach team has engaged with 92 men, 16 women, and 33 veterans this year, providing essential services and successfully housing several individuals.

The meeting also touched on the community's efforts to achieve \"functional zero\" for veteran homelessness, meaning more veterans are being housed than becoming homeless. This initiative involves collaboration with various organizations to streamline services and improve outcomes for veterans in need.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by United Housing Connections in addressing homelessness in Greenville County, with a commitment to creating a system where homelessness is rare and nonrecurring.