Successful Point in Time Count

In an effort to access the needs of the homeless in Catawba and Burke Counties, a Point in Time Count of the sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals and families took place January 30^th, 2013. Also counted were those families and individuals who were looking at a eviction from their homes within the next 14 days. Despite the bad weather, we had a great turnout.

We conducted a demographic survey interview for every person who came to be counted at The Grace House in Hickory and First Methodist Church in Newton. This annual count is also a good time to give away items that the homeless say they are in need of. Items consisted of backpacks, socks, winter hats and gloves, flashlights, batteries, shoestrings, and toiletries. Once a survey interview was completed, participants were given a ticket to browse for free and receive a lunch graciously donated by Chick-fil-A.

These interviews provide the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development a snapshot of those who experience homelessness throughout the year. The Point-in-Time Count is a one-day, unduplicated count of homeless individuals and families throughout the country. This annual point-in-time count aims to measure homelessness over the course of one night every January.

This data provides documentation of the homeless issues and gaps in our community. This data drives local, state and federal funding for housing and program opportunities for seniors, veterans, unaccompanied youth, individuals with HIV/AIDS, individuals with mental health, substance abuse and intellectual disabilities, etc. – all the issues and gaps we discuss in our local community outreach meetings.

This was the first year I not only completed a survey myself, but also co-lead the collection with Teena Willis of Partners Behavioral Health at The Grace House location in Hickory. Many people I already knew either because I was homeless with them or had worked with them through Pathway Outreach Ministries which I am the director of. While I enjoyed meeting people one on one, I was heartbroken every time someone confessed that they didn't know where they were going to be sleeping that night.