Boston's Homeless Census

Monday, United Way volunteers joined crowds of others in the City of Boston's annual Homeless census. The Homeless Census aims to shine a light on the numbers of individuals and families living without permanent homes in the city. The Boston Globe coverage included a photo of United Way staff alumna (and current executive director of the interagency council on housing and homelessness) Liz Curtis leading a set of volunteers as part of the census.

Census volunteers spread out throughout the neighborhoods of Boston, from the Fenway region to Downtown Crossing, from the Commons to Jamaica Plain, tallying individuals experiencing homelessness this winter.  In addition to completing the census, volunteers assisted the homeless individuals they came across with shelter information and warm clothes. They also were trained to  call in medical support when needed. To give a full picture of the scope of homelessness in the city, counts were also conducted in Temporary Emergency shelters, transitional housing, hospitals, hotels, and motels.

Last year, the total count of individuals living on the street was 219 men and women, up 19 percent from 184 in 2007.  Experts anticipate higher numbers this year as the recession has pushed many local families into financial crises and has caused many local shelters to overflow from the increased need.  I'll repost as the numbers from this years census come in.

In related news, earlier this month, United Way announced the first round of emergency funding from the Family Financial Stability Fund ($350,000 to 26 agencies)  to help residents with basic needs like food, shelter and utilities support this winter.  The grants are part of a larger campaign to:

• Ensure families are aware of the resources that exist help them get back on their feet, and
• Increase support for the region's nonprofits to help bridge the gap from immediate emergency assistance to better long-term financial stability

Which means, we have a job to do, dear SpeakUnited readers:

1. Spread the word about 2-1-1, the free and confidential helpline to connect people in crisis to the help they need.  Whether looking for rental assistance, help with utilties , food, or other basic needs, 2-1-1 is available 7 days a week. 24 hours a day.
2. Visit http://www.chooseyourimpact.org to join others in providing essential support for Massachusetts residents this winter.  $20 will keep a family's heat on for a day in the dead of winter. $35 will feed a family of four for a day. Any amount will help.