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2014 Homeless Point-in-Time Count
Training
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Training Agenda
Welcome & Introductions Purpose of Count Conducting the Count Understanding the Survey Instrument Helpful Tips & Advice Q & A
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Introductions
Name Why I’m counting Count experience Experience with homelessness
Why Am I Here?
Message from Amy Casavina Hall of United Way of Greater New Haven about the importance of the PIT count.
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Count Overview Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count
required by HUD Unduplicated, one-night count of
sheltered & unsheltered adults, youth, and children
Subpopulation data Sixth state-wide count January 23, 2014 www.schomeless.org
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Why We Count
Support local planning efforts Identify the scope and trends of
homelessness and gaps in services Improve services Justify new/expanded services Promote community/political awareness
and advocacy efforts
Statewide Effort
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MACH Region
Aiken
Allendale
Bamberg
Barnwell
Calhoun
Chester
Fairfield
Kershaw
Lancaster
Lexington
Newberry
Orangeburg
Richland
York
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Methodology
January 23 - 26 ‘Snapshot’ of homelessness Sheltered Count:
• HMIS• Surveys of people in shelters not in HMIS
Unsheltered surveys: Trained volunteers in teams conducting one-on-one interviews with people who may be experiencing homelessness
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Who We Count
Sheltered Homeless •Emergency shelters, rescue missions, and seasonal shelters •Domestic violence shelters (confidential) •Hotel or motel paid for by public or private funds in lieu of a shelter bed •Imminent risk – 14 days
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Sheltered Locations Emergency shelters and transitional housing
• City of Columbia Emergency Shelter• Transitions
Domestic violence shelters• Sistercare
Residential programs for runaway/homeless youth
Motels or apartment vouchers paid for by a public or private agency because the individual or family is homeless
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Who We Count
Unsheltered Homeless •Places not meant for human habitation (e.g., in cars, under bridges, in tents, on streets, in abandoned building, in public restrooms, in garages)
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Unsheltered Locations Under bridges Parking garages Parks Cemeteries Downtown metro areas near homeless services or meal locations Wooded areas behind gas stations/stores Near churches “Street Sweeps”
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Key Subpopulations
Persons with:-Long-term physical disabilities/chronic health conditions-Mental illnesses -Developmental disabilities-Substance abuse disorders-HIV/AIDS
Those who are:-Veterans-Victims of domestic violence-Experiencing long-term homelessness
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What About Doubled Up?
Staying temporarily with friends, family (“couch-surfing”)
Although at risk, HUD does not consider this population homeless
Awaiting HUD direction for future counts
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PIT Count Form
Survey Instrument Video
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Interview Tips
Initiate a conversation Introduce yourself and be respectful Speak clearly Explain the count and why you are counting Get informed consent Maintain confidentiality
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Initiating the Conversation
Explain the PIT and Why We are Counting
“Hi, I’m May, a volunteer with the Point-in-Time Count. Have you heard of the count?”
“Every year area service providers and volunteers try to get an accurate figure on how many people do/did not have a place to stay tonight/January 23rd. May I explain a few things and then ask you some questions?”
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Interviewing Basics
Practice to feel comfortable before the Count Speak clearly Only ask questions on the form Stick to the format of the questions Repeat questions, when necessary Don’t answer a question for them Avoid Don’t Know/Refused responses
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Interviewing Basics
Don’t skip questions – Double Check Fill out ENTIRE FORM – Double Check Again Complete shaded areas on form Write clearly and legibly Remain neutral (not, “Wow! That’s terrible!”) Don’t case manage
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After the Interaction Thank the person
Offer incentive pack
Keep the form in a safe place
Return all forms to County Coordinators within 24 hours
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Do Not Collect Information On:
People who were formerly homeless – may still be in the culture
Children or youth who are temporarily residing in institutions (emergency foster care, treatment facilities)
Adults living in mental health, chemical dependency or criminal justice facilities
Precariously housed vs. imminent risk (14 Days) Individuals or families that are Doubled Up
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Community Resources
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Count Safety
Have a home base – Tillis Center Stay with your team Do not carry money or purses or give money
away, no flashy jewelry Refer to your count schedule for team contact
info Make sure everyone knows the schedule and
the emergency plan
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Emergency Procedures
Focus on prevention - do not take chances – be smart, be careful, prevent accidents before they happen
Emergency – 911
Non-emergency line – 803-252-2911
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Count Gear Layered clothes with pockets and comfy
shoes Picture ID Flashlight Pens Clipboards Charged cell phone Count Forms Schedules
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2013 PIT Count State Total: 6035
•Emergency Shelter: 1535 •Transitional Housing: 1384
•Unsheltered: 3116
28.3%
From 2011
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2013 PIT Count MACH Total: 2070
•Emergency Shelter: 609 •Transitional Housing: 463
•Unsheltered: 998
27.7%
From 2011
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MACH #s by County
Aiken: 15
Allendale: 3
Bamberg: 4
Barnwell: 0
Calhoun: 5
Chester: 20
Fairfield: 18
Kershaw: 54
Lancaster: 9
Lexington: 121
Newberry: 13
Orangeburg: 63
Richland: 1518
York: 187
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2013 Fun Facts First PIT that Richland County utilized
Columbia Police Department
Big numbers in the state: Richland: 1518 Greenville: 896 Horry: 839
See entire report on www.schomeless.org
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2013 Fun Facts
MACH represented 34% of the state count
Richland County represented 74% of the MACH count
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Next Steps Questions?
Shift preferences
Get comfortable with the PIT Count Form
Scout your assigned locations prior to the count
Visit www.schomeless.org
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Contact Info
Richland County Coordinators May Kirby [email protected] 381-1822
Michele Murff [email protected] 397-1341
Makarios Tabor [email protected] 212-8970
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THANK YOU
