Office of Housing

CCH Projects
Point in Time

 

Volunteers are needed to assist with the Homeless Census Count  beginning at 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 28, 2009 and continue through 6:00 P.M. Thursday, January, 29, 2009.

Volunteer informational flyer

Volunteers must be 18 years of age.

Registration ended  Friday, January 16, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

 

What is the Point In Time Count?

Since 2003, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has required applicants for federal homeless assistance grants to report the number of people who are homeless in their communities at a particular time. HUD currently requires that communities conduct a point-in-time count during the last week of January. Collecting reliable baseline data is essential to understanding the causes of homelessness and designing effective interventions to help homeless people rebuild their lives.

The point-in-time count occurs every two years and is a census of all homeless persons in Chesapeake. Cities in Hampton Roads and nationwide will be participating in similar counts this year and reporting the data to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Why is it important?

The homeless count and survey will help identify who is homeless in Chesapeake and provide us with a baseline number of homeless individuals. The data collected will be useful on many levels:

• It will give Chesapeake leverage when applying for federal or private aid to maintain and/or improve service delivery to the homeless population.

• The count can be used to measure progress towards ending chronic homelessness.

• It will increase public awareness of the homeless population in Chesapeake.

• It will allow agencies to improve their ability to plan and implement effective services for homeless persons.

Anyone interested in assisting will need to register online.

Training

The Point-In-Time Training will be conducted on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at:

South Norfolk Baptist Church
(map)
1101 Chesapeake Avenue
Chesapeake, VA 23324

 

Volunteers are requested to attend this 20-minute training session on the day of the count which will provide:

• the purpose of Count

• safety instructions

• instructions on filling out the survey and returning the survey

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

 

Below are some
frequently asked questions
about volunteering
with the count.

 

How will this information be used to help homeless children and adults?

The more we know about our homeless population, the better we can serve their needs. This Point-in-Time Count is not only a chance to learn how many people are homeless and where they are located, but also information about how they became homeless and what services they need to help them.

What can I expect on the day of the count?

Depending on where you are counting, the local coordinator will probably have a central meeting place where volunteers can review their duties and responsibilities prior to going out to conduct the count. From there volunteers will go out in teams with an experienced leader into designated "target areas" to count and survey the homeless living in that area.

Will I receive training?

Yes! All volunteers will receive training,  on the night of the count covering the purpose of the count, safety, and instructions on administering the survey. To volunteer click here

Can I volunteer with a friend?

Absolutely! If you are interested in volunteering and counting with a specific other person, have them complete the online registration form

Who can I contact if I have additional questions or sign up to volunteer?

If you have any additional questions about the Count or volunteering to help out, contact Jean Taylor or the Office of  Housing at 382-6925 or by email jtaylor@cityofchesapeake.net

  *Note:  All registration will be conducted online!

Who is organizing the count?

The 2009 Count is organized by the Chesapeake Coalition for the Homeless and the City of Chesapeake Office of Housing.

Download the following resources:

 

2009 Homeless Count Brochure

2007 Winter Homeless and Subpopulations Chart

2007 Summer Count Homeless and Subpopulations Chart

2003-2007 Chart Comparison Chart of Homeless and Subpopulations Chart

 

Web Page Last Updated on January 21, 2009
and will be updated frequently prior to the Count