Agencies around the country that work with homeless people have completed their annual annual-point- in time census, and are sending the data to the federal government. The comprehensive look at how many people are unhoused compiles data from shelters, but also sends volunteers out into the community - to meal centers, grocery giveaways and warming centers - as well as parking lots, on the streets, and in encampments.
Michael Wilkos of the United Way of Central Ohio was one of those volunteers who headed out in the foggy early morning hours Thursday. Stopping to talk to a few people in a tent in the woods, he was reminded why the count is important - and why it's important to do it thoughtfully.
"He zipped open his tent and he said: 'Thank you for counting the people that don't matter'.
It is important that you are counted, it's important that we understand your needs, and that we design a wholistic system of integrated non-profits where there is no wrong door. People are not turned away, and you are treated with respect and cultural competency."
Last year's point-in-time survey reported the largest ever increase in homelessness in Columbus and Franklin County, a 22% increase in the number of individuals who were unhoused. There are more families, more young people, and more elderly people as well. Shannon Isom, CEO of the Community Shelter Board says the census provides crucial data that means Columbus, Franklin County, and Central Ohio will be able to respond to specific populations and needs.
"It's one thing to say that we need resources, allocation of resources based on homelessness, it's another thing to say that we are experiencing 25% increases, 22% increases, that we are seeing elderly increasing, that we are seeing youth increasing - that's a different 'ask'.
What these numbers allow us to do is not only say that we need more and how organize it, but it says very specifically how to use those dollars for the delivery of services."
It can take weeks to get the numbers tallied and sent to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. And Isom says it takes HUD months to comb thru the data, eliminating duplication and other errors, before they are ready to release the survey information.
But she says Central Ohio can begin to make the case for the money they need to adapt to changing demographics right away, thanks to the unified funding system, that uses the Community Shelter Board . system. unique unified funding model, means that agencies on the front line don't have to wait until the federal data comes out to make the case for the money they need to adapt.
"What that unified funding agency status allows us to do is to sit down - not only every month, but every week - with our partners, our contracted partners. and they tell us. They tell us exactly how we're doing; what we're doing, what are the gaps - what are the opportunities."
Staging the count - recruiting and training the volunteers - is a major undertaking, but Isom says there has been a surge in support as the need for the work has increased. Last year there was a record number of volunteers - around 130 people who turned out to help. This year there were nearly 200 people who showed up and spent the day making sure that everyone count.
