An annual survey of homelessness in Pennsylvania takes place tonight in every county in the commonwealth. It’s called “Point in Time,” and it’s a federally mandated effort to identify and help people who are experiencing homelessness.
In Indiana County, the Point in Time count has always been a difficult proposition. Indiana County Human Services Director Lisa Spencer says it’s not easy finding homeless people, even though they are out there. Indiana County’s homeless typically live in their cars and in abandoned buildings, making them harder to locate
As in past years, Spencer and Indiana County Sheriff Bob Fyock will be driving to campgrounds and other areas where homeless people might be, but this year they are trying something different, hoping the homeless might come to them. It’s a “Come & Be Counted” event from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at the New Life Community Church at the Indiana Mall. They’re hoping people who are living in their cars or in other settings to come for light refreshments and have a brief, anonymous interview. ICCAP will also be there to try to help people identify services available to them. Spencer adds that they chose the Indiana Mall location because it’s on the Indigo bus route, so homeless people can take the bus to get there if they need to.
The Point in Time Count is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide a one-night estimate of sheltered and unsheltered homelessness.
