The unsheltered count is the process of counting all individuals and households who are unsheltered on Jan. 30. This includes persons sleeping on the street, in cars, in the woods, abandoned buildings, etc.
While the U.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.
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 is Clearfield County doing the Point-in-Time count? 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.
Clearfield County last completed the Homeless “Sheltered” count in January of 2012. This count includes homeless persons residing in emergency shelter, transitional housing or Safe Havens. At that time, Clearfield County reported it had 86 individuals that were homeless (but sheltered). On Aug. 15, 2012, Clearfield
County participated in an “Unsheltered” homeless count. At that time, it was only able to report eight individuals as unsheltered and homeless. This was in increase from the previous count of one individual.
The Local Housing Options Team (LHOT) of Clearfield County, consisting of members from various human services organizations, church groups, schools, etc. across
Clearfield County coordinates the Point-in-Time Survey that will be occurring on
Jan. 30.
The team is once again 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 Jan. 30, staff from agencies on the LHOT and volunteers from the communities will be canvasing throughout the county, interviewing homeless individuals to find out more information about their current situation.
If you feel you may be able to assist in our efforts or have more information about where homeless families or individuals may be staying in Clearfield County, please feel free to contact Laina Dufour at 814-371-5100, Ext. 315, or Angela Hassinger at
814-765-1551.