As the population grows across the country, so, too, does the population of homeless individuals and families.
As a result, already tight budgets and resources for housing programs are further stretched.
The process to apply for federal, state and local funding, however, is much more complicated than simply filling out a form.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires each community to come together to submit a single comprehensive Continuum of Care application rather than allowing applications from individual providers.
A Continuum of Care is a regional or local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals.
It also requires an annual count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single day during the last 10 days of January, in order to provide a snapshot of the current homeless situation. Each count is organized and carried out locally.
This year, the Santiam count will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
“It’s important that we take this count very seriously,” said Jimmy Jones, Director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Project ARCHES Program, which oversees multiple housing assistance programs. “All federal and state funding is based on algorithms using these numbers. In addition, public policy on multiple levels is formed from these results.
“It is critical that we get the most accurate information possible. Historically, we have not gotten a complete count in the Santiam region due to a lack of knowledge of the rural homeless population and the dedicated resources necessary to do so. We didn’t get the information we need for public planning and allocation of resources to get people out of a homeless situation and into housing. Last year, a count wasn’t held in the Santiam region so a colleague and I went out to do it ourselves. We concentrated on Mill City, however, so Stayton wasn’t counted at all.
“In Marion County, the unsheltered homeless population is 80% of the total homeless population that is counted,” he said. “That should be, at most, 60% and we are working hard to change that.”
Santiam Hospital’s Service Integration Team is organizing the 2018 Santiam count.
Field teams will be surveying in Detroit, Idanha, Mill City, Aumsville, Jefferson and Stayton between approximately 4:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. There will also be stationary hubs open from 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. in Detroit, Gates, Mill City, Mehama/Lyons and Stayton. Participants responding in one of the hubs will be given a meal and an assortment of basic supplies and gear.
Melissa Baurer, Service Integration & Community Liaison Coordinator, said that there are a few pressing needs at this time for the 2018 count.
“First, we have to get the word out to as many people as possible so we can get the input we need to move forward,” she said. “Our area lacks many of the services that larger areas can offer, for example, proper shelters and public transportation. Since service integration is what our team does, it’s important that we identify where we are falling short and what we can do to collaboratively in the community to fulfill these needs.”
She also said that volunteers were needed for both field and hub teams. Volunteers are asked to register in advance at http://signup.com/go/ZGKNukX and attend a one-hour orientation at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, at Santiam Hospital Freres Auditorium, 1401 N. 10th Ave., Stayton.
The orientation, which is recommended but not required, will cover survey training and safety.
“It’s very easy to sign up and all information is confidential,” Santiam Canyon Volunteer Coordinator Coni Raikes said. “Specific shift hours can be worked out with team leaders.
If a slot looks full online or if someone is not comfortable giving their email address or has other questions, they can contact me at 503-931- 6291 or 2018scunshelteredsurvey@gmail.com.”
In addition, Baurer’s team is seeking donations of both goods and meals.
Two donation centers for goods have been set up in Stayton and one in Mill City. Requested items include tents, sleeping bags, tarps, flashlights, batteries and new socks and underwear.
“In terms of food, New Life Foursquare Church in Stayton is donating a breakfast, lunch and dinner to the Stayton hub but we are still looking for groups or organizations to donate meals for other hubs,” Baurer said.
Overall, she said that beyond the necessity of providing statistics for funding purposes, the count serves another purpose.
“This is an important opportunity to learn,” she said. “Those who participate in the survey will be given information on programs and services they may not be aware of. As a community, it tells us a lot about the extent and severity of homelessness in our area.
"We find out more about how individuals and families found themselves without homes. We learn ways in which, by working together communitywide, we can assist others and help to prevent homelessness.”
For more information on the program, contact Melissa Baurer at 503-769-9319 or mbaurer@nsantiamhospital.org, or Sara Webb, Case Manager for the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, at 971-304-8977 or sara.webb@mwvcaa,org.
For detailed information on Oregon homeless count results visit http://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/Pages/research-point-in-time-homeless-count-in-oregon.aspx
Donations
Donations drop-offs have been established at the following locations. Requested items include tents, sleeping bags, tarps, flashlights, batteries and new socks and underwear.
Please drop off items during business hours only and have them clearly marked as “2018 Homeless Count.”
Stayton Public Library, 515 N. First Ave., Stayton. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. Phone: 503-769-3313. Please check in at the welcome desk.
Boldt, Carlisle & Smith, 408 N. Third Ave., Stayton. Hours: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Phone: 503-769-2186. Contact Jenny Kraupa.
Canyon Crisis & Resource, 825 N.W. Santiam Blvd., Mill City. Phone: 503-897-2327. Hours: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Contact: Cherie Girod. Please call ahead if possible. Knock if door is locked.
If these locations are inaccessible to you, or you wish to donate a meal, contact Melissa Baurer at 503-769-9319 or mbaurer@nsantiamhospital.org,