PHILADELPHIA, PA — Once again, on a chilly January night, the shimmer of camaraderie and determination enlightened the heart of downtown Philadelphia. Over 360 volunteers, guided by the beacon of unity, embarked on the annual Point In Time (PIT) Count – a formidable mission to count our unsheltered homeless brothers and sisters. This federally mandated count is crucial in understanding the continuing crisis of homelessness, informing policy and shaping the trajectory of the city’s welfare services.
Starting from Love Park, the alluring beats of DJ She’J Qdee stirred the ensemble of volunteers, city officials, and staff members. The night was vibrant with the spirit of Philadelphians eager to shed light on the shadows of the homeless crisis. Their collective energy rippled through the city, underlining Philadelphia’s commitment to its most vulnerable.
Dave Holloman, at the helm of this event as the Executive Director of the Office of Homeless Services, expressed his gratitude, “The monumental success of this year’s PIT count has been made possible by these kind-hearted Philadelphians. They have fortified our city’s pledge to those who depend on our services.”
Staging this endeavor was no small feat. A pre-Count kickoff bore witness to local motivational speaker Michelle Snow and other dignitaries such as Vinay Singh, HUD Chief Financial Officer, stirring the crowd with encouraging words. On this stage of unity, Jayda Alexander, Co-Chair of the Young Adult Leadership Committee, highlighted how this initiative resonates with the youth and their experiences.
Almost 50 teams set forth into the night, following their respective zone maps to known ‘hotspots’ where the homeless gather. Trained by the Office of Homeless Services, these volunteers engaged with those willing to accept assistance. The insight gained from surveying the homeless extended beyond just name, age or ethnicity. The teams delved deeper into the personal journeys of these individuals, collecting data on mental health, disabilities, and the duration of their homelessness. This information, taking roughly 10 to 12 minutes to obtain per individual, was instantly logged via an advanced, secure technology system.
This innovative use of technology greatly facilitated data collection and analysis. Beth Gonzales, Deputy Director, Policy, Planning, and Performance Management, hailed it as a valuable tool that enhanced the experience while understanding its potential applicability further.
Post the overnight count, the volunteers rallied for a daytime Youth Count, targeting the invisible crisis among young Philadelphians. This fortifies the count’s credibility by verifying the data collected overnight and providing a holistic view of homelessness across all age groups.
Results from this year’s PIT Count will be out this spring, promising data that will guide the future of homeless services and policy in Philadelphia. This invaluable effort shines a light on the reality of homelessness, reminding us of the unseen Philadelphians who, despite their circumstances, are a part of the city’s fabric. It empowers everyone, from policymakers to everyday citizens, to mobilize resources and make a tangible difference. In the end, isn’t that what being a Philadelphian is all about?
Nevertheless, you can explore past reports to understand the impact of homelessness in Philadelphia. Check out the earlier Point In Time Count reports for 2022 and 2023 here.
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