The Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) will complete the fifth biannual homeless enumeration on Thursday, January 27, 2011. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandates that all jurisdictions receiving federal funds for housing and supportive services to homeless persons complete a point-in-time street- and service-based homeless count every two years to define the scope of homelessness both in the community and across the nation. The results from this count are to be reported within the federal grant application each year to determine existing resources, identify gaps and highlight progress towards ending homelessness.
The Health Department will deploy approximately 300 community members to conduct the citywide street and service-based count process. The 2009 City of Long Beach count identified 3,909 people that were homeless on that given day in January. This year, all jurisdictions are required to count homeless veterans. The City of Long Beach accomplished this in 2009, therefore the 2011 Count will yield comparison data to determine the scope of veteran homelessness in Long Beach. This is especially important given the return of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and the Veterans Affairs Administration commitment to ending veteran homelessness in five years.
The following is testimony from a previous Count Volunteer:
My first count was in 2003, at that time I was an Americorp volunteer serving homeless veterans at United States Veterans Initiative, which is an agency that provides supportive services and housing for homeless veterans. I remember meeting at the Multi-Service Center at the crack of dawn, eager and at the same time a little scared. Our designated area was the LA River. Back then they had campsites up and down the river/bike path. For the most part the people I encountered were very engaging and welcomed us into their “homes”. I was amazed at their treasures to which they were very proud of, things that most people considered discard. The most interesting individuals I spoke to were veterans that served in the military. The stories they shared about their military service and what led them to be where they are now was a little disconcerting. I remember one lady in particular; the woman was in her 60’s in a tent under the bridge. The woman was a sweet lady, she was very friendly as she invited us in and agreed to answer some questions. She stated has been there for a couple of years after her husband died. She had noticeable health issues but refused any medical services. When we left she thanked us and invited us back anytime. That was the first Homeless Count I participated in and will never forget the experience. I went home that night feeling very grateful and humble because there was a time when my life was not too different from the people I met that day. Today I am a Veterans Case Manager for the City of Long Beach and have been working with homeless veterans for 11 years; this will make my 5th Homeless Count for the City of Long Beach. This is truly an amazing and life changing experience and encourage everyone to make the time to participate in this project, to gain a better understanding of homelessness in our City and to learn about the resources currently in place to address their needs.
Jill Bowles is a Veterans Case Manager at the Multi-Service Center, located at 1301 W. 12th Street, Long Beach, CA 90813, headquarters for the 2011 Homeless Count.
To learn more about the 2011 Homeless Count or download the Volunteer Form, go to: longbeach.gov/health/fss/homeless_services/default.asp.
Volunteer forms can be submitted via fax at 562-570-4066. For additional information on the count, please contact Elsa Ramos, Multi-Service Center Coordinator at (562) 216-1950 or [email protected].