Help needed for annual homeless count

On average, more than 550,000 people experience homelessness in the United States on any given night. To put this into perspective, this number is very close to the total population of the 18 counties within the Homeless Advocacy for Rural Tennessee (HART) Continuum of Care region.

HART is now preparing to conduct its 2018 point in time count of persons experiencing homelessness and is coordinating a street count of homeless individuals to be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2018.

During a 24-hour period, local volunteers and social service agency staff go into the community to gather information on the homeless population. Your help is needed and appreciated in this community effort.

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness has developed a national strategic plan to end homelessness for families, youth, and children in 2020. The plan is based on the belief that "no one should experience homelessness, no one should be without a safe, stable place to call home."

Communities across the United States conduct the HUD-mandated Point in Time (PIT) count, which is designed to provide a snapshot of a region's sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations. This vital information is used to assess need and to help leverage resources to prevent and end homelessness for our community.

So, how can you help? Volunteer information and knowledge of homelessness in your community OR volunteer to help conduct this survey. Your help is crucial to the accuracy and success of the count.

Please contact HART at (931) 484-3207 or email: burdett.hmis@gmail.com Additional information about homelessness and HART is found at: www.hartn.org.

Let's make everyone count!