A Worthy Cause

In light of my evening at the homeless shelter - to feed, not to sleep as described on my 12/31 post - I wanted to pass this info from Sister along to everyone. Sister is participating, as are some folks at the Chamber. I hope to participate, too, if it doesn't conflict with our KMB Board meeting earlier that evening. If you have questions, you can contact Sister at bbaldauf@unitedway.org.

Every two years, each community across the country is required by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to do a point-in-time count of the number of homeless individuals. If done well, the count can help community planning to address the issue of homelessness. This year, communities across the state will be conducting the count on the evening of January 25, 2007.

How can you help? On the night of January 25th, volunteers will be walking around the city of Columbia in an attempt to locate and count any unsheltered homeless people. All volunteers will receive specific training in advance on how to do the count. Volunteers will travel in teams led by an individual who is experienced in working with the homeless, and move around specific areas in the city on foot, noting the number of people observed that are homeless. The teams will also have supplies (food, clothing items) to distribute. Volunteering with the count is a great way to help the community improve its ability to understand and address the needs of homeless people. It will also provide a unique perspective about homeless in our community. To register to volunteer, please contact homeless@uway.org.

If you work or live in another community, feel free to sign up . . . your name will be forwarded to the coordinator in the appropriate area!

Many thanks in advance for your consideration!