Less-than-ideal weather conditions played a significant role in the recent Point In Time (PIT) survey conducted in Emporia this past week.
Volunteers from Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness, Newman Regional Health, the Emporia Police Department, Bloom House Youth Services and the Emporia Homelessness Advisory Board ventured out into the community this past Thursday to locate members of the city’s homeless population for the PIT Count. The count is organized by the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition and mandated by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development for what is called the “Continuum of Care.”
The continuum is designed to offer funding to nonprofits and local government entities so they can “rehouse” homeless residents or people leaving domestic violence situations behind. Eastern Regional Coordinator for the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition Adele Clark says throughout the survey they found very few individuals in the homeless encampments they surveyed.
Clark says this likely had much to do with the damp and cold weather conditions.
On a positive note, Clark says they did encounter several individuals who utilize resources such as shelters that “do consider themselves homeless which gave them some helpful insight to the greatest needs of local homeless individuals.
Clark adds that the survey is not at an end as they have until Friday to complete their work and submit their findings. At this time, it is unclear when the results of the survey will be made available, however, Clark anticipates it could be several months.
