The United Way of the Plains in Wichita will be conducting the annual Point-In-Time Homeless Count on Thursday.
The count is a national effort that is done once a year to estimate the number of Americans who don’t have safe and stable housing. The numbers from the count are reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to study national trends and meet requirements set by HUD for grants to local government and social service agencies. The count is also used locally to make funding decisions, provide outreach to people who haven’t been getting services and increase awareness on the issue of homelessness.
The count was held across Sedgwick County from 5 a.m. to noon. More than 160 volunteers signed up to receive training and participate in gathering information. Members of the public who want to report a homeless encampment can text or call Cole Schnieders of the United Way at 316-816-1723.
Last year’s count found 702 people and 560 households who were experiencing homelessness in Sedgwick County.
