Editor’s Note: This article, written in observance of National Hunger and Homeless Awareness week, was the basis of a report on the Marketplace radio program from American Public Media on Nov. 23, 2007. Hear the Marketplace report.

Sadly, we all know what homelessness looks like. Now two North Carolina homeless shelters also know what an answer to homelessness looks like. It looks like bubbles, lines, curves and shapes of all sizes and colors – interactive and dynamic, moving across time or any other relevant dimension. That’s what data looks like when examined with JMP statistical discovery software from SAS.

In Raleigh, NC, The Healing Place of Wake County analyzes data with JMP and other SAS products to make better decisions about how to best move clients through the program, with a goal of maintaining its 70 percent success rate while making the most of every resource available.

“On a cold night, even one empty bed is one too many,” says Chris Budnick, Program Director at The Healing Place. “The Healing Place strives to make sure that every available bed is used, that no meals are wasted, and that everyone who seeks shelter finds it.”

When you think of taking care of homeless people, you don’t automatically think about analytics. But, says Budnick, “understanding the variables that are associated with better outcomes allows us to make informed decisions for the program.”

The Charlotte Rescue Mission also uses advanced analytics to make better operational decisions. This Charlotte, NC, nonprofit’s focus has been on using SAS’ JMP statistical discovery software to target mailings to reach the right potential contributors. “We enjoy close to a 50 percent increase in responses when we use JMP,” says Tim Troutman, Donor Services Supervisor. “JMP has significantly improved our marketing ROI; the money we’ve saved so far has been unprecedented.”

The bottom line for homeless men and women seeking help in North Carolina: These two organizations spend less money on overhead or fundraising and more on helping people. “I look forward to impacting more people with our work here as a result of the funds we're able to spend on program expenses instead of fundraising,” says Troutman.

Learn More

The Healing Place of Wake County

Charlotte Rescue Mission

Homeless Shelter Addresses Direct Mail Challenges