CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Local organizations are asking for volunteers and donations to prepare for the annual homelessness Point in Time Count.
On a single night in January, Continuum of Care programs across the state and country are required to get a head count of how many people are experiencing homelessness, both sheltered and unsheltered. That number is reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a sort of census.
Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition are leading the count in Mecklenburg County.
Executive Director of Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition, Jessica Lefkowitz says the count shows how big the need is and the resources needed to get people off the streets.
“This work, it costs a lot of money to get it done and housing is scarce right now, but this is how we do it. Knowing what that number really looks like, this is how we figure it out,” Lefkowitz said.
“Nobody should have to live outside,” Lefkowitz added. “I don’t care if you have any addictions, criminal history, it doesn’t matter. Nobody deserves to sleep outside.”
Alex Santiago is one of the people Lefkowitz and her organization helped get off the streets after he experienced homelessness for more than a decade. Santiago received mental health and substance abuse resources, and now he has a place to call home.
“I’m very, very grateful I got this place now,” Santiago said. “Wake up warm, safe, not being paranoid – who is after me or wants to do something to me. Now, I feel safer now at my own home.”
Mecklenburg and Guilford County posted the meetings volunteers need to attend if interested in helping with the Point in Time Count.
The next meeting in Mecklenburg County will be on Dec. 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Point in Time Count is on Jan. 25, 2024.
Lefkowitz says in addition to volunteers, they need warm clothing donations and hot food to pass out as they survey.
Guilford County’s mandatory training meetings are Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30p.m. Volunteers are required to attend one. The Point in Time Count in Guilford County will be Jan. 24-25.