United Way to coordinate 2020 annual point-in-time homeless count; VA providing outreach in early morning hours
Event: Point-in-Time Homeless Count
When: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020
Primary shifts for on-the-streets volunteers: 5 – 8 a.m.; 8 a.m. – Noon and 1 – 5 p.m.
Where: Across the Wichita metro area. Volunteers will leave from United Way of the Plains, 245 N. Water, Wichita and other hub locations at about 8 a.m. and Noon. The count will also be conducted throughout the day at area homeless shelters.
Video/Photo Opportunities:
• To arrange a ride-along with volunteers during the 5 – 8 a.m. shift, contact Akeam Ashford, Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (contact information below). The center is providing outreach during that shift.
• To arrange a ride-along with volunteers 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., please contact Delane Butler, United Way (contact information below).
Background:
Impact ICT-CoC (previously known as Wichita-Sedgwick County Continuum of Care) coalition of community organizations is conducting the homeless count for Sedgwick County. United Way of the Plains is the lead organization of Impact ICT-CoC and is providing coordination for the count.
Volunteers will be paired with experienced Homeless Street Outreach providers to go into the community to complete surveys with persons experiencing homelessness.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires annual counts of individuals in homeless shelters and biannual counts (on odd years) of all homeless in communities applying for federal grants for homeless services. Communities need accurate data on homelessness to determine the size and scope of the homeless problem at the local level, plan services and programs appropriately to address local needs, and measure progress in addressing homelessness.
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PRIMARY MEDIA CONTACT:
Delane Butler, United Way of the Plains, Vice President of Marketing, (316) 267‑1321, ext. 4105, dbutler@unitedwayplains.org
MEDIA CONTACT FOR EARLY MORNING RIDE-ALONG:
Akeam Ashford, Public Affairs Officer, Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, (316) 685-2221, Ext. 53064, Akeam.ashford@va.gov
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