The biennial Point in Time Count, which identifies people experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing, will take place in January 2019.
Clackamas County is seeking volunteers to help staff canvas the county to count persons who are unsheltered — sleeping outdoors, in camps, on the street, in vehicles, abandoned buildings, barns, sheds or other places not meant for people to sleep.
During January, volunteers will also visit food distribution sites, homeless camps, transit malls and other locations frequently occupied by homeless persons as part of the canvassing effort.
“We will be working with schools and agencies serving children to record the number of homeless children and youth they are serve, and other Social Service agencies will participate to ensure we count an accurate number of people living outside in the county,” says Brenda Durbin, director of the county’s Social Services Division. “Everyone in our community deserves a safe, stable home – especially veterans and children, so the information we gather during the count will guide how we can work to meet their needs.”
The count takes place every two years and is required by the federal government, which provides more than $2.3 million annually to 15 Clackamas County projects.
“We rely on our committed partners and community members to help us reach all of our houseless residents,” says Richard Swift, the county’s Health, Housing and Human Services director. “This truly is a community effort and we appreciate everyone pitching in to support this work.”
To register as a volunteer for the Point in Time Count, visit www.clackamas.us/homelessness/homelesscount.html or contact Lynne Deshler at 503-631-3106 or email lynne@cedar-haven.net.