The annual Point-In-Time count that identifies how many homeless people are living in Del Norte County will start January 26.
“This gives us an idea of how many people are living unsheltered and are temporarily sheltered, which affects funding,” said Roy Jackson, housing services manager for the Department of Health and Human Services.
In an effort to draw as many people as possible, a take-out meal and other donations will be available to those who show up at Crescent City Recreation Hall, 1005 H Street, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
According to Jackson, the survey collects basic information and takes about five minutes to complete. Specifically, respondents will be asked where they slept the night prior on January 25. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires communities receiving federal funds from the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants program to count those experiencing homelessness. The electronic records also keep track of people who are living in emergency shelters and transitional housing.
The unsheltered count is required every two years, though most communities perform the survey each year.
“I’ve been talking with outreach workers, and they feel like the numbers are going to be higher this year,” Jackson said.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness website, those surveyed will also be asked whether they are individually unsheltered, are part of a family unit and whether they or anyone with them are 24 years old or younger.
Historically, the latter marker has been difficult to determine because families are reluctant to share that a minor under the age of 18 is with them. Youth living on the streets can also be reluctant to seek out shelters and other community resources.
In an effort to reach those who don’t go to the recreation hall January 26, several organizations will canvas the county through Feb. 1 to survey as many people as possible.
“This will include going to parks, campgrounds and homeless encampments,” Jackson said.
Jackson added that donations of warm clothing, tents, tarps and other non-perishable items are requested. To donate, call Jackson at 707-464-7224, ext 2652, or Rebecca Green at 707-464-3191, ext. 2611.
Service providers that will be participating at the kickoff event and subsequent counts include: Del Norte County Department of Health and Human Services; Crescent City Housing Authority; Del Norte Mission Possible; Del Norte Senior Center; Open Door Community Health Center; Our Daily Bread; Veterans Administration; Harrington House; North Coast Rape Crisis; Rural Human Services; Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation; Yurok Tribe; the Del Norte Unified School District; Pacific Pantry and Four Square Church/ Laundry Love.
