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,” said 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,” said 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.”
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