|
Homelessness Increases in Broward County
The number of homeless persons, sheltered and unsheltered, in Broward County increased by 18 percent, from 3,225 to 3,801, based on the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) biennial point-in-time count and survey conducted on January 24-25, as compared to the same count done in January 2009.
The count and survey was conducted between midnight on Monday, January 24, and 11:59 a.m. on Tuesday, January 25. Trained volunteers fanned out across the County to homeless encampments, labor pools, meal programs and homeless shelters. The results were tabulated by Dr. Patrick Hardigan of Nova Southeastern University. Additional details are forthcoming but the total number of homeless, in shelters and on the streets, revealed the increase.
The count is required by HUD. Results are also reported to the state. In January 2009 there were 800 persons counted on the streets and now in 2011, there are 1,262, for a 58 percent increase for unsheltered homeless, according to the Broward County Homeless Initiative Partnership (HIP) Advisory Board, Lead Agency, HUD Continuum of Care. The HIP Advisory Board headed up the survey effort in collaboration with approximately 200 volunteers, consisting of County staff, homeless services agencies, law enforcement agencies, individuals, faith-based, youth- and community-based organizations.
According to Birch Willey, chair of the HIP Advisory Board, the increase is primarily due to worsened economic conditions. "Communities across the country are observing and expecting increases in homelessness. People are having a harder time finding employment or the employment they do find does not pay wages enabling them to afford housing. Additionally, even though the homeless count has increased, homeless shelter and services, as well as mental health and substance abuse treatment programs are also facing cuts at the local and State level," Willey said.
"The data collected allows the community and the Continuum of Care (service providers, funders, stakeholders and advocates) to understand and accurately report information. It also enables our community to qualify for federal, state and local funding, which helps prevent, alleviate and address homelessness in a coordinated system of care. The HIP Advisory Board takes this opportunity to thank all who participated in making the 2011 Homeless Point-In-Time Count a success," said Michael Wright, administrator for the Broward County Homeless Initiative Partnership.
|
|
