Annual Count of Homeless Citizens Set for January 28, 2010
WHAT: To receive federal funding to address homelessness, all local communities must count the number of men, women, and children who are homeless. Known as the annual point-in-time count, it must occur each year during the last week of January. In addition to counting the number of individuals and families, a survey helps determine what the service and housing needs are for these citizens. This information is included in an annual application submitted to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by the Homeless Coalition for grants to help the Mobile area respond to the needs of homeless citizens with a national goal for reducing and eventually ending homelessness.
WHEN: Thursday, January 28, 2010
5:30 p.m. Volunteers for the City of Mobile and Mobile County count will assemble at the Dumas Wesley Community Center auditorium, 126 Mobile Street, for supper, assignment to a team and instructions.
6:30 p.m. Street Teams of 5 to 9 canvas geographical areas in the City of Mobile and Mobile County to count and interview homeless citizens found in those areas. Locations usually include on the street, under bridges, encampments in wooded areas and in abandoned or unoccupied buildings. Interview Teams of 2 to 3 are sent to shelters and temporary housing facilities to interview those provided beds that evening.
9:00 – 10:30 p.m. Teams report in.
A community report will be released within one month that will provide the total number of men, women, families and children who were unsheltered or sheltered on that date plus information regarding the reasons for being homeless and what is needed to end their homelessness.
Individuals who want to volunteer for the 2010 point-in-time count of the homeless in the City of Mobile and Mobile County can contact the Homeless Coalition at 251/450-3345 or email Sharon Algood, sharon@housingfirst-al.org for more information.
A similar count of the homeless will be conducted in Baldwin County on the afternoon of January 28, under the guidance of Catholic Social Services in Robertsdale. Individuals wanting to help in Baldwin County may contact Connie Plemmons at 251/752-2293 or conniecssbald@gulftel.com for more information.
Street Wise Flyer for Homeless Citizens
