News release from the United Way of Allen County:
United Way and Homelessness Council Release Results
Area Homelessness Data from January Point In Time Count
(August 8, 2013) – United Way of Allen County and the area Homelessness Council released local information about the point in time count held in January 2013. The point in time count assesses local issues of homelessness so that the region can more clearly identify areas of need.
Results showed that from the previous count in 2012, the number of homeless households increased by eight percent; however, the number of homeless persons decreased by four percent. While this may seem perplexing, the discrepancy is due to the 28 percent increase of homeless households without dependents, While, the number of homeless households with dependents decreased by 40 percent.
“We have counted more single homeless individuals and less households with children, therefore decreasing the total persons counted in this study,” explained Tiffany Bailey, director of 2-1-1, income and basic needs at United Way and chair of the Fort Wayne area planning council on homelessness. “I do not believe the data is indicative of an actual decline in homeless families with children, but anticipate that they are staying with friends and family, which is not considered ‘homeless’ by the national point in time count.”
Other areas of increase were that of homeless veterans by 200 percent from the previous year. The study also showed an increase of 92 percent for homeless individuals with chronic substance abuse and 81 percent with issues of domestic violence. While the point in time count helps identify homelessness struggles in the area, it is difficult to pin point the reasons for increases.
The Fort Wayne Area Planning Council on Homelessness is working hard to address the issue of homelessness so local individuals can find permanent shelter and employment to become self-sufficient. The Planning Council is comprised of dozens of agencies, as well as local government, and is working toward three main goals: reducing the number of homeless persons, shortening the time that people are homeless and making sure enough resources exist to prevent people from becoming homeless again.
There are also ways local residents can provide support. By dialing the three simple numbers 2-1-1, you can find a food pantry where you can donate much-needed food and personal care items. Anyone is welcome to attend a meeting of the Planning Council on Homelessness and can contact Tiffany Bailey at United Way for more information.
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