Politics & Government

County to Count Homeless Residents

Jan. 26 count used to assess the extent and characteristics of homelessness across the country.

The Homeless Continuum of Care of Bucks County (HCOCBC) plans to conduct a countywide “Point in Time” count of unsheltered homeless individuals on Thursday, Jan. 26.

The count will be part of an annual nationwide initiative of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assess the extent and characteristics of homelessness across the country.

In addition to the unsheltered homeless survey, the Homeless Continuum of Care for Bucks County Committee (HCOCBC) will also conduct a survey of those who are homeless but sheltered on the same day.  This will provide a more complete picture of the homelessness in Bucks County and provide information to design services and programs to combat homelessness at all levels.

Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since the first survey was conducted in Bucks County in 2008, this will be the fifth such survey conducted in the county.  The Point in Time count serves as the primary source of data locally and nationally to understand homelessness trends and to track progress on efforts to prevent and end homelessness for all communities. 

During the course of the survey, efforts are taken by the survey teams to reach out to homeless individuals and families and provide links to services and to immediate shelter.

Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Survey organizers welcome any information from community members to identify locations where homeless individuals may have been observed or are suspected of living.  Anyone with information regarding potential locations is urged to contact Bucks County staff members Deb Neidhart at 215-444-2876 or dpneidhart@co.bucks.pa.us or Emma Weisser at 215-345-3370 or eweisser@co.bucks.pa.us.


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