As it has in years prior, the spell of dangerously cold weather has created some roadblocks for organizers overseeing the annual Point In Time (PIT) count locally.
According to the lead organizer and Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness Housing Specialist, and local PIT Coordinator, Joe Reed, January is a difficult time to get an accurate read of the homeless population in the local community due to the colder temperatures. Add to that the recent winter storm that brought sub-zero air temperatures and wind chills, he says, most unhoused residents have either headed “underground” or found other places to escape the bitter conditions.
While they have experienced these issues in the past, notably two years ago when the count followed a deep freeze and sudden thaw, Reed says something different this year was a change in location for the count’s base operations from White Auditorium to Corner House at 418 Market Street.
Another change and resource, this year, was donations from state and local agencies of backpacks and winter clothing, which he hopes can help entice more individuals to come forward and be counted.
Reed reminded residents that the count is completely anonymous, noting they are counting bodies, not names and being counted is for the benefit of unhoused residents as it helps translate to more resources and assistance locally for addressing the issue of homelessness.
While the main count efforts have taken place Wednesday and Thursday, Reed says they do not have to have the info to the state until next Friday, meaning there is still time for any unhoused residents to be counted before this year’s effort concludes.
The PIT Count is led by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Reed says it’s mandated for cities and towns receiving Continuum of Care funding and/or resources benefiting the local homeless population. The count is always held in January. Reed says winter is a time when the need for urgent or emergency short-term services is at its highest.
For questions or more information, call Reed directly at 620-340-3572.
