CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Laramie County is currently seeking volunteers for its “Point in Time” count Jan. 22–23.
That’s according to a press release from the City of Cheyenne, which stated that a variety of roles and positions are available for the event, consisting of an unduplicated count of the homeless population in a single night, Jan. 22.
“The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines literal homelessness as living in a place not meant for human habitation, emergency shelter, or some transitional housing programs,” the release states. “People at risk of becoming homeless (such as those staying with friends or family or staying in a motel) are not included in this count.”
On the night of the count, PIT organizers and volunteers oversee the count and survey, ensuring that each count is compliant with HUD guidelines. Those who are surveyed will receive a free, hot meal provided by the Salvation Army. They will also receive information about various community resources, as well as an outreach bag filled with warm gear, food/snacks and hygiene products.
For this event, the committee is seeking volunteers to help count individuals in Laramie County, distribute marketing materials for the event, donate supplies for outreach bags and more.
While helping to determine the scope of homelessness, the PIT raises public awareness, promotes collaboration across the region, provides needed demographic and survey data and helps efforts to apply for increased housing funds as a community.
“The point in time count plays an important role in HUD funding, with certain types of grants awarded based on the results of the count,” the release states. “The count also helps identify gaps in services and its data can be used to develop policy and planning decisions at the state level.”
The City of Cheyenne noted that it is a beneficiary of some grants that are awarded by point-in-time data. The City is also a partner in the PIT count.
Those interested in volunteering may contact Julie Sanchez with Recover Wyoming at 307-421-7261. They can also visit the event’s Facebook page for more information.
