According To The United Way Of Greater Kingsport, The City’s Recent Count Of The Homeless Population In The Model City Has Grown By 68-Percent In The Past Year. There’s Currently 172 People This Year Compared To 104 In 2023. Of Those, 45 Are Living In Shelters While There Are 127 Unsheltered. Over Half Of Those Have A History Of Substance Abuse, While 34-Percent Reported Having Mental Health Needs. Jim Bare, Who Led The Count This Year, Said The Number Of Homeless People Might Be Higher Than Reported Due To Warmer Weather And Other Factors. Kingsport Mayor Pat Shull Said The City Has The Services And The Shelters To Help Those Who Have Nowhere Else To Go.