Facts
Good Neighbor Shelter By the Numbers 2006
188 persons were sheltered between January 1 and December 31,
2006 for a total of 4,027 bednights. In 2005, 221 persons were sheltered for 4,433
bednights. The decrease in bednights is attributed to a number of factors. The primary
factor was an increased number of guests were required to leave for drug infractions or
could not pass an initial drug test. Additionally, a large number of persons seeking shelter
did not qualify to stay due to severe mental illness, or active drug use. The meth
(methamphetemine) epidemic that many agencies have noted has had an especially large
impact. These persons were referred to other programs/shelters.
Of 188 guests, 23 were children and were not part of the Goals program. During 2006,
159 adults completed their stay at the shelter.
Of the 159, 72 staying 1 to 13 days. Of those staying 13 days or less 18 moved in
with family/friends; 16 left because they did not like the structured natured of the
shelter’s program; 5 left to relocate to other areas; 10 gave no reason; 14 refused to
follow shelter rules and were asked to leave; 4 were placed in other programs; 2 were
sent for immediate psychiatric evaluation and 2 were arrested or escorted from the
premises by police.
Another 68 adults staying at the shelter from 14-42 days: 7 left to relocate,
primarily due to job issues; 12 moved inwith family/friends; 16 did not like the structured
nature of the program; 13 gave no reason but had resources to support themselves; 8
refused to follow shelter rules and were asked to leave; 2 were placed in other programs;
1 became violent and was escorted from premises by police.
29 persons stayed 43-70 days with 23 moving into their own apartments locally
with furniture provided by the shelter; 4 relocated to other areas for job reasons but had
savings to obtain housing; and 1 rejoined family. All found housing, created a budget, and
opened a savings account. Other goals accomplished: 12 received accessed needed
medical services; primarily for chronic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure); 10
received counseling/mental health services during their stay; 8 participated in AA/NA;
and 3 were able to purchase a vehicle.
For photos of our shelter, click here.
For more information, please contact the Good Neighbor Shelter at 770-607-0610
Guest Demographics:
114 (61%) males; 37 (20%) females; 37 (20%) persons in families
142 (75%) white; 46 (25%) black
The average age was 38
The average length of stay was 22 days .
Day Services –
The shelter provides services to individuals & families who
did not stay overnight at the shelter but need food, clothing, etc. Persons receiving Day
Services: 76 persons. 68 received food (a hot meal or canned goods), 10 received
clothing, shoes, blankets, etc. and 9 received referrals for other services not provided by
the shelter (some clients received more than one service).
Most of these persons were transients on their way to family or jobs in another state
and did not have access to other food pantries at the time they were referred.
Funding & Fundraising
We are diversely funded through financial support from the United Way, Churches, individuals, civic clubs and organizations. Private foundation and government grants are also a part of the shelter’s budget.
Our fundraising events include the Georgia Barbecue Classic for the Shelter annual BBQ cookoff - which is a KCBS Sanctioned cookoff! All proceeds benefit the shelter. For more information, visit smokinonthesquarecartersville.com
Since 1996, the Dinner and Auction fundraiser, "Our Hearts, Their Harbor", has raised funds to support our shelter. Last year, $38,000 was raised for program funds.
