Middlesex County will conduct its Point-in-Time Count 2016 (PITC) survey throughout the County’s 25 municipalities on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016.
This annual survey assists in developing a snapshot of the number of, and reasons for, homeless persons living unsheltered outside, in emergency shelters, transitional housing or otherwise only precariously housed within the County.
“My fellow Freeholders and I are constantly looking to improve conditions for everyone in Middlesex County,” said Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti, Chairperson for the Community Services Committee. “Every homeless man, woman and child in Middlesex County deserves to have access to our services and a chance for a safer, better quality of life.”
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires localities across the United States to conduct the Point-in-Time survey as a prerequisite to applying for supportive housing funds for the homeless. The census will occur on the same date in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties. This survey tool provides the best source of detailed information on the particular needs of people who are homeless and, importantly, the reasons people became homeless to help direct the County’s future prevention efforts.
To increase the survey’s accuracy and offer direct help to the homeless, Middlesex County will, again, incorporate Project Homeless Connect (PHC) into this year’s process. This initiative supplements the survey, setting up sites around the County for the homeless to visit and be connected with case management services, donations and information on resources, such as social services, mental health services, housing, substance abuse resources, disability funding and health care.
This year, as in the past, volunteers will complete surveys for homeless persons who visit either of the two PHC sites in Middlesex County: Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen at 18 Neilson St. in New Brunswick; and Cathedral CDC, at 272 Madison Avenue, Perth Amboy. Both sites will remain open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Volunteers also will conduct “street outreach” visits to indoor and outdoor locations where homeless persons tend to congregate or reside. Law enforcement agencies in Middlesex County have been notified of the survey schedule and have been asked to assist volunteers in locating sites where unsheltered homeless persons may congregate.
Volunteers also will enter data into an online database from the surveys and help sponsor and run local donation and collection drives.
Some of the special services that will be available at the Project Homeless Connect sites will be: haircuts; flu shots; blood pressure screenings; food; clothing; hygiene kits, etc. Representatives from the VA, the County’s Veterans Services and VA funded providers Community Hope and Soldier On will be present at both Project Homeless Connect sites to connect homeless veterans and those veterans at imminent risk of homelessness with needed housing services and assistance. This is in furtherance of the county’s goal to end veterans homelessness.
This year an appeal is being made to the general public to donate unwanted, yet useable, coats of all sizes. Also needed are new gloves, scarves, blankets, socks, underwear, thermal wear and toiletries that can be distributed to the men, women and children who come to the sites or are found during the “street outreach.”
Details about the 2015 Point-in-Time and Project Homeless Connect events are available at www.cominghomemiddlesex.org.
For more information, or to volunteer or make donations, email bobbin.paskell@co.middlesex.nj.us.