The annual Point in Time survey will be held on Thursday January 26th. What is the Point in Time survey? This is an important survey as The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires Continuums of Care to conduct an annual count of the homeless within that Continuum over a 24 hour period during the last week in January. HUD then uses this information to determine the need and characteristics of homelessness around the country.
Dove’s Homeward Bound program leads the count process for Macon County by securing volunteers to administer surveys at various locations where homeless families and individuals might frequent. The locations range from the local library to viaducts and parks.
HUD’s definition of homeless has four categories;
1.) Literally homeless individuals/families
2.) Individuals/families who will imminently (within 14 days) lose their primary nighttime residence with no subsequent residence, resources or support networks
3.) Unaccompanied youth or families with children/youth who meet the homeless definition under another federal statute and three additional criteria
4.) Individuals/families fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence with no subsequent residence, resources or support networks
These categories are then used in the report given to HUD. This information can also be used to assist in obtaining funding for the community, bring about community awareness and provides guidance for the Continuum of Care’s Homeless Advisory Council and Governing Board in decision making.
This year the count will be conducted beginning 12:01 a.m. and will end at 11:59 p.m. on January 26th, 2012. Terry Cunningham is the Point in Time Coordinator and is currently in the process of contacting volunteers and conducting volunteer trainings. Please contact her if you would like to volunteer for a wonderful opportunity to help your community! Look for the results of this survey to be posted in March 2012!
Contact information: Terry Cunningham – email: tcunningham531@gmail.com phone: 217-972-4250
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