CLEARLAKE >> The Lake County Continuum of Care (CoC) will hold a Point-in-Time count to count the sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals and families in Lake County on Tuesday, Jan. 24. T
he Point-In-Time (PIT) count will help the CoC obtain a better understanding of homelessness in the community and needed services and resources. It will also make Lake County eligible for funding for homeless services.
In addition to mobile teams canvassing the county, survey sites will be open on Jan. 24 from 1 to 5 p.m. in locations throughout the county.
The sites will offer flu shots, HIV/Hepatitis C testing, dog food and supplies, sandwiches and water/coffee. Each person who is homeless and completes the confidential survey will be given a bag of snacks, hygiene supplies and other items.
“The Point-In-Time survey is an essential element in our ability to serve our local homeless individuals with appropriate resources and programs,” said Marilyn Wakefield, PIT Committee Chair. “If you know someone who is homeless, please encourage them to visit with a member of our survey team at one of the many locations.”
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires all homeless continuums to conduct a point-in-time count of homeless individuals/families during a single night in January. These counts provide an overview of the state of homelessness in the region and offer the information needed to direct services, funding and resources provided by the CoC.
The result of the PIT survey will establish a count of homeless families/individuals that is necessary for Lake County to be eligible for federal funding through HUD and other agencies for housing-related programs and support services. Results will also provide a foundation for future planning to meet the needs of the homeless in Lake County.
Local private and public agencies partner through the CoC to improve services for those in the community who are homeless or are at risk of losing their housing. HUD describes a CoC as “a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize self-sufficiency. It includes action steps to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness.”
