The National Coalition for the Homeless reports 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness each year. On any given night 730,000 are homeless. Of those, 100,000 are military veterans.
HUD mandates a Point-in-Time Homeless Count every two years. This was conducted recently in Fort Smith. Although many communities conduct a “windshield count” by merely driving around their town and estimating the number of individuals with a high probability of being homeless, Sebastian County takes this count very seriously.
On January 25, 2011, experienced case managers, homeless service providers and dedicated volunteers conducted personal interviews at strategic locations to capture accurate statistics of homelessness in our area.
Because the collection tools were strictly specified by HUD, many could not be included in the final count. For example, people who experienced homelessness prior to and after the count, but stayed with friends the night of January 25, were not included in the final count because they were not considered homeless that specific evening.
The count determined 235 people were homeless in our area. This is an 11% increase since the last Point-in-Time Count in 2009. More alarmingly, however, is the number of unsheltered citizens experiencing homelessness. This number rose from 35 in 2009 to 82 in 2011 – a 135% increase. These individuals are literally sleeping under the stars.
Although the McKinney Vento Act for Public School Systems utilizes a more broadened scope in determining homelessness for students, Fort Smith Schools reported 289 students in their homeless program. Most of these students are doubled- and tripled-up with other families because they had no other choice. These 289 students and their parents were not included in the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count.
PIT counts are often criticized as misrepresenting the magnitude and nature of homelessness. The numbers are useful, however, in measuring the growth in demand and more open use of shelter beds. More shelter beds are needed in our area to accommodate families, allowing couples to shelter together, allowing residents to keep beloved pets and extending shelter options for those who are self-medicating psychological challenges.
It is obviously impossible to measure homelessness in our area with 100% accuracy. More important is our progress in ending it. Our task in preventing and ending homelessness is more important now than ever.
Please join us in this quest. We can all make an impact. Volunteer or extend financial support to arm us in the battle of ending homelessness. And give thanks for not being on the receiving end of this challenge.
Do what you can with what you have
where you are.
-Theodore Roosevelt