Annual count to document the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Jackson County begins Monday, Jan. 27
As part of an ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness in Jackson County, individuals are invited to volunteer for the annual “Point in Time” (PIT) Count, which will take place throughout the last week of January, beginning Monday, Jan. 27.
This initiative is intended to document the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Jackson County — both those in shelters and those who are unsheltered — providing essential data for local and national efforts to combat homelessness.
The PIT Count is led by the organizations that are part of the “Continuum of Care” (CoC), in alignment with guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CoC’s work is currently carried out through a collaboration of local nonprofit and governmental agencies. Every year in January, the Jackson County Continuum of Care conducts the Point in Time Count (PIT). This count collects information on people who are residing in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs, as well as those who are living in vehicles, tents or other places not meant for human habitation.
The purpose of the count is to provide a snapshot of homelessness in Jackson County, connect those experiencing homelessness to area resources and support services, and to identify and rectify barriers to housing and services. The count will take place through walking surveys in various locations in Jackson County, followed by additional interviews at service locations such as food pantries throughout the week.
“It’s important to conduct this count each year to track trends, understand barriers to services, and uncover areas where help is needed,” Jason Elzy, chair of the Continuum of Care explained. “Ultimately, the goal is to help more individuals find stable housing,” Elzy said. “We strive to prevent people from experiencing homelessness in the first place.”
Organizations and community members are encouraged to help spread the word and volunteer to join this important effort. Volunteers will be trained and guided by experienced outreach workers or peer counselors to ensure the dignity and safety of those surveyed, as well as that of the volunteers. The walking surveys will be conducted during daylight hours.
Individuals can register and sign up to volunteer through the Jackson County Point In Time Count volunteer portal at jacksoncounty.pointintime.info. If potential volunteers have questions or would like to discuss signing up as a group, reach out for more information by email (volunteer@accesshelps.org) or call 541-613-8948.
Source: Jackson County news release via the city of Ashland. Email Ashland.news at news@ashland.news.
