Homeless Count Shows 487 On The Streets

The preliminary numbers for the eighth annual “Point in Time” count have been reported by the Bucks County Department of Housing and Community Development.

The count, which measured the homeless in the area, is used to help determine the amount of federal aid. The preliminary numbers show that a total of 487 homeless were accounted for. Officials said 38 of those were classified as unsheltered or spent nights in their cars or outside, but officials have said in the past those numbers are likely higher.

According to a press release from the county, this year’s survey has been the most comprehensive canvas to date. The survey took place earlier this year.

Trained volunteers were given information regarding resources that the homeless population can utilize. The volunteers offered the homeless access to Code Blue shelters and social workers. During the count, there were three Code Blue shelters available. People who declined shelter were classified as unsheltered for the study. Individuals who resided in shelters or “transitional housing,” were considered sheltered.

“Not many will avail themselves to the shelter, sometimes the minimal demands of a shelter may be daunting like a curfew or not drinking, it’s taken away a severe sense of independence,” Steve Brubaker, Director of Programs  for the Sunday  Breakfast Rescue Mission previously told LevittownNow.com.

“HUD has acknowledged the quality of our Point in Time project for the previous eight years. Our successful completion of it has been key to keeping us competitive in attracting HUD funds for our housing programs,” said Roger Collins, director of the Bucks County Department of Housing and Community Development.

“It is a small sub-set of all the outcomes we consider in our work to improve housing programs for County residents. And very importantly, this year the results from the Point in Time project will be reviewed by the Housing Advisory Board, a group of 20 individuals from the public and private sector, appointed by the Bucks County Commissioners to study and make recommendations for improving our housing services, both in cost-efficiency and outcomes. Reporting outcomes is an important first step. An informed assessment and translation of them is key to achieving optimal impact from system changes. This ‘opportunity’ represents the core vision and work of the Housing Advisory Board” Collins said.

The final numbers are due by April 2015.

If you are homeless or experiencing a housing crisis, call the Bucks County Housing Link at 800-810-4434.