Two local non-profits team up for annual Point-in-Time Count

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Two local non-profits, the Yuma Coalition to End Homelessness and Salvation Army Yuma, are teaming up to measure homelessness in Yuma County. The effort is part of a nationwide count that helps secure funding and shape services.

One local, John Clapp, says people should come out and help with donating, and volunteer to help the homeless population.

"If they have the time, yes. If we are the great America that I believe we are that I fought for, then I think we should have programs in place to help reach out," Clapp expressed.

Lt. Amber Herzog with Salvation Army Yuma shares how you can contribute to the count.

"We put together backpacks because it's a voluntary survey, we like to give a thank you backpack with essentials, just looking for snack items and feminine hygiene items that we can also place in these thank you backpacks," Lt. Herzog explained.

The annual Point-in-Time Count is a one-day nationwide analysis that measures people experiencing homelessness.

"Any person is just one paycheck, sometimes, away from homelessness and being sheltered, and being unsheltered for an evening, and so the point in time count is a great opportunity for us to get a real gauge on what's going on in the community," Herzog shared.

Volunteers will survey the homeless and ask if they were unsheltered the night of January 27. They will also ask a series of questions that help gage how to get funding or programs to support them.

Herzog shared how the data helps them address the issue more efficiently.

"It helps us look at trends and see if we’re seeing the same trends year after year. It helps us qualify for specific HUD funding notifications of funding, as well as just me, as a non-profit, I can use that data to apply to grants and go to donors," Herzog remarked.

For more information on how to donate or volunteer, click here.