HUD to use count to determine official numbers for the homeless population and to establish funding allocations

The Metro Atlanta Tri-Jurisdictional (Tri-J) Collaborative on Homelessness wants volunteers to help count the homeless.  The count conducted by Tri-J, which includes Fulton, Dekalb and Atlanta will take place on Monday, January 28, 2013, beginning with volunteer registration and training at 11:30 p.m.  The actual count will be conducted from 1:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2013.  If inclement weather occurs, the alternate date for the count will be January 30, 2013.

The U. S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will use the totals from the count to determine the official number of homeless citizens in Fulton, Atlanta and Dekalb and to determine future funding allocations.  Over $10 million is awarded annually by HUD to the Tri-J each year. HUD representatives are expected to visit volunteer staging sites and participate in the count.

The Tri-J Homeless census focuses on counting the unsheltered homeless who are sleeping in outdoor locations such as sidewalks, parks, encampments and under bridges.  The unsheltered count by the Tri-J is considered by HUD as a national best practice.  Additionally, the sheltered homeless who are staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs are included in the count.  In 2011, 2,378 unsheltered homeless persons were counted along with 4,460 in shelters, which totaled 6,838 persons.

The count also looks at the demographic characteristics, homeless history and homeless experiences, which is the reason why the Tri-J conducts a Homeless Survey of approximately 700 homeless persons in the Tri-J area.

Citizens who want to volunteer to help with the count may contact Josie Parker at josie.parker@pcni.org or call 404-639-9933 extension 323.  Those who are unable to volunteer on count night, but still want to help with the Homeless Census may contact Pathways Communities Network, Incorporated at 404-639-9933.