Members of Central Oregon Homeless Leadership Coalition (COHLC) will be conducting a one day point in time count on January 30. This count is conducted throughout Central Oregon to hand out supplies, check in on individuals and families that are homeless, and provide a census of those living in our region without a roof over their head.
“This count is extremely important as it affects our ability to serve homeless persons in Central Oregon and apply for funding to help those in need. “ states Kenny LaPoint Co-Chair of Central Oregon’s Homeless Leadership Coalition.
For the 9th straight year, the COHLC is conducting a one-day count of people who are homeless or in transitional housing in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. This count is a part of a national effort to identify the number of people struggling to find appropriate and adequate housing.
“We regularly work with people experiencing homelessness in efforts to improve opportunities for them in our region,” comments Janet Merrell, Deputy Director of Community Services at NeighborImpact.
“We need those who are experiencing homelessness to meet at one of our locations so they can be counted and we can provide limited supplies and services to them.” Throughout the day on Thursday, January 30, 2014, volunteers will be conducting confidential and anonymous surveys in Bend, LaPine, Sisters, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras. This one-day count will provide the most up-to-date information about the number of individuals in Central Oregon who are struggling to find adequate housing.
Through this data, local agencies and programs are able to qualify for increased funding, better target support services, and develop comprehensive plans to address poverty and homelessness in Central Oregon.
About Homeless Leadership Coalition: The Homeless Leadership Coalition consists of more than 40 organizations and individuals from Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties. They include the faith community, shelter providers, public schools, public health, emergency services, veterans outreach, and public safety, mental health, housing services, public services private employers and others. For more information about the organization please go to www.cohomeless.org.
About NeighborImpact: Since 1985, NeighborImpact has been a leader in developing solutions and bringing resources to Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes County. It offers a diversity of services meeting basic human needs for food and shelter, while enriching people’s lives by providing access to increased education, skills, and hope for the future. NeighborImpact is a private nonprofit organization that receives federal, state and local funding; foundation grants; and donations from individuals and businesses in our community. To learn more about NeighborImpact please visit www.neighborimpact.org.
