Counties throughoutPennsylvaniawill conduct a count of unsheltered homeless individuals and families Aug. 15. While theU.S.Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) requires an annual count of the sheltered homeless and a bi-annual count of the unsheltered homeless during the last 10 days of January, it is typically very cold the night of the count and volunteers have reported that it is difficult to locate unsheltered individuals. This special summer count will provide information on whether there are different numbers of unsheltered homeless during different times of the year. This will provide important information for planning homeless services.
Conducting the point-in-time count of unsheltered homeless households also provides communities with an opportunity to locate, identify and engage households experiencing homelessness. Once these households are known to homeless service providers, ongoing outreach and resources can be provided. Finally, the unsheltered point-in-time count provides an opportunity for members of the community to be educated about the scope and needs of the homeless within their community, as well as the importance of affordable housing.
HUD’s definition of unsheltered homeless is “only when residing in a place not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings or on the street.” This can include individuals and families living in the following locations: Abandoned buildings and houses, chicken coops, railroad cars, storage units, lumberyards, streets, vehicles, parks, hunting cabins, tents, campgrounds, barns, truck stops, etc.
Why are we doing the point-in-time count forClearfieldCounty? To get an accurate picture of homelessness in our community; to collect data for funding applications; for future planning purposes; for community awareness; to increase community and stakeholder involvement; and as a tool for advocacy.
ClearfieldCountylast completed the Homeless “Sheltered” count in January 2012. This count includes homeless persons residing in emergency shelter, transitional housing or Safe Havens. At that time, ClearfieldCountyreported that we had 86 individuals that were homeless (but sheltered). In January 2011, Clearfield County participated in an “Unsheltered” homeless count. At that time, we were only able to report one individual as unsheltered and homeless. The county feels this number did not accurately reflect the unsheltered homeless in the local community.
The Local Housing Options Team (LHOT) ofClearfieldCounty, consisting of members from various human services organizations, church groups, schools, etc. acrossClearfieldCountycoordinates the Point in Time Survey that will be occurring Aug. 15.
The team is asking for the assistance of Human Service providers, churches, school districts, local law enforcement, fire departments, code enforcement offices, food pantries, other homeless assistance agencies in Clearfield County etc. in finding out where families or individuals might be seeking shelter. On Aug. 15, staff from agencies on the LHOT agencies will be canvasing throughout the county, interviewing homeless individuals to find out more information about their current situation.
Anyone who may be able to assist in the efforts or have more information about where homeless families or individuals may be staying inClearfieldCountyshould please contact Laina Dufour at (814) 371-5100 Ext. 315 or Connie Harris at (814)-765-1551.
