Winter Point in Time Count

It's that time of the year again! Planning for the winter Point in Time Count is well on it's way and the Point in Time Committee is gearing up for another successful count. As expected because of COVID-19, there will be some adjustments to ensure the safety and well-being of our volunteers who assist with this event. Please read through the e-mail and the attached sign-up to review some of the changes that are being made. 

 For those of you unfamiliar with the Point in Time Count, twice a year, the Fox Cities Housing Coalition, in conjunction with homeless and housing providers across the community, coordinate a local count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Fox Cities called the Point in Time Count. Groups of volunteers are led by coalition staff members throughout the Fox Cities in an effort to identify persons residing on the streets, in campgrounds, under bridges and other places not meant for human habitation, in an effort to provide outreach and engagement to those in our community that are in need of housing resources.

 

For the past several years, the Fox Cities has seen a marked increase in individuals and families seeking homeless services, which has translated to more people sleeping in places not meant for human habitation. By assisting the coalition in conducting the count, not only are we able to better communicate the need for housing within our community, but more importantly it provides us with an opportunity to engage and connect with individuals on the streets so we can begin assisting them in transitioning into housing.

 

The Fox Cities Housing Coalition is reaching out to invite you to participate in this winter's Point in Time Count. After deliberation as to how we want to facilitate this count amidst the pandemic, the PIT Committee has decided to continue on as we typically would, but make adjustments to ensure the safety of our volunteers. More details will follow for those who sign-up and there are further details in the sign-up page in regards to process changes. Here are the highlights:

· The count will take place on Wednesday, January 27th and run through the early morning hours of the 28th. We will continue with having only one shift. First adjustment: we will be leaving in smaller groups in two shifts to ensure there are less people congregating at one time. The first shift will depart at 10:30pm from Salvation Army and the second shift will depart from Salvation Army at 11:00pm. The count will be over whenever your team completes their route

· We will have smaller groups for most of our routes.

· Utilization of PPE's will be requested of each person if they will be within 6 feet from another person

· We will not be convening within Salvation Army (weather permitting), but will utilize a drive-up/walk-through method for registering outside of Salvation Army when you arrive

· Folks that are staying outside that we find the evening of, will not be able to return to Salvation Army. Instead, basic bag lunches and water will be provided by each team should they connect with someone and follow-up for services will be done the following day

If you do not feel comfortable participating in this winter's Point in Time event, we completely understand and will miss you. Please do what you feel most comfortable doing and we will hope to see your friendly and kind faces at the summer count. If you are still interested in signing up for the Point in Time count, please sign up using the link below.

 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080548A5A823A5FD0-january3   

 

Thank you all for your time and for all of your support, people like all of you are what makes the Fox Cities such a great place!

 Best Regards, 

The Point in Time Committee