MCCAC to Conduct Houselessness Survey Next Week
From MCCAC:
A Point in Time Count for Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman Counties is scheduled for Jan. 24 - 28
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council will conduct an annual Point-in-Time (PIT) survey to count the number of people experiencing houselessness in Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman Counties next week. Houseless community members are given a simple, short survey with questions about situations contributing to houselessness and the length of time they have been houseless. Service providers and volunteers will travel throughout the three-county region, conduct phone interviews, and administer surveys from community sites throughout the week.
The PIT Count plays a critical role in determining the level of state and federal funding communities receive to address houselessness. It also provides us with key insight into the needs of those impacted by houselessness in our community.
“The PIT Count is important in helping us identify how houselessness is affecting our communities and what the disproportionate impacts are on specific populations,” said Kenny LaPoint, Executive Director of Mid-Columbia Community Action Council. “By understanding these impacts, we can work to build a system that best addresses the needs of our most vulnerable community members.”
Pictured: Kenny LaPoint, Executive Director of MCCAC. “As to why we’re doing this in the winter…I don’t know why they make us do this survey in the winter, and not some other time of year…that’s not our call, that’s a federal thing,” said LaPoint.
Pictured: MCCAC Community Outreach team.
Houseless community members can be counted and receive food and basic supplies at the following community sites during the following times:
The Dalles
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council
312 E. 4th St.
January 24, 25, 26 from 9am-1pm
Hood River
Hood River Alliance Church
2650 Montello Ave.
January 26, 27 from 9am-1pm
To ensure the safety of the community, all staff, volunteers, and those being counted are required to wear face coverings and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
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MCCAC is the Community Action Agency serving Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties. MCCAC’s mission is to build a better future for our community through partnership and equity-centered programs that prevent and eliminate poverty and houselessness.
