On Jan. 24, volunteers canvassed the county to count every sheltered and unsheltered adult and youth as part of the annual Point in Time Count. Data collected is used to inform efforts to end homelessness, to better understand the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, design effective interventions, and develop methods for collecting reliable data.

There are thousands of individuals and families in shelter at any time, and hundreds more living without it in the state. Only by knowing more about those who are homeless can we best serve them, and ultimately move people into housing.

I would like to acknowledge the volunteers who helped with the count as well as the agencies that helped plan it. Additionally, we received donations from groups and individuals who are so appreciated. Town employees and police officers were helpful with the planning and identifying where people were staying outdoors.

Change doesn’t happen alone. Homelessness is solvable. By working together as partners we'll get there. The Point in Time Count is one great example, as we fight together against this critical problem.

Kathy Allen

Executive Director, Thames River Community Service

Virginia Mason

President & CEO, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut