Nearly 80 volunteers will hit the streets, food banks and jails today for the annual effort to count the homeless in the community.
The event aims to raise awareness about homelessness throughout Benton and Franklin counties, as well as establish a baseline of the areas homeless population to track progress toward reducing homelessness.
Its the awareness factor Hey, where do I go for help? said Cricket Cordova, with the Benton Franklin Community Action Committee.
Volunteers not only will be out in the community talking with the homeless, but any other community members in need of help.
I think also the presence in the community lets us get the information out, said Tracy Diaz, the Community Action Committees director of community services. I think sometimes people arent aware whats available to them or how to access these services.
The Community Action Committee hopes volunteers will spread the word about services the organization offers, such as help with utility bills, housing eviction prevention, rental assistance, prescription help and winterization programs that lower utility bills.
Its about the prevention piece before people reach homelessness, said Debra Biondolillo, the Community Action Committees director of supportive housing.
And knowing its OK to ask, Diaz added.
More volunteers -- especially volunteers who speak Spanish and other languages -- are needed for todays day-long count.
Those interested in volunteering for the Homeless Bi-County Point in Time Count can contact Cordova this morning by calling 509-545-4042 or by stopping by volunteer headquarters at 720 W. Court St. in Pasco.
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Tri-City volunteers count the homeless
Tri-City volunteers count the homeless
The dense underbrush under trees in Columbia Park didn't indicate anyone had been using the area as a temporary home.
Christina Canida of Kennewick looked for signs of footprints in the patches of ice and snow that covered the mostly dry grasses. She and Steve Gaulke of Richland, another volunteer for Thursday's one-day homeless count, had been told some people might be camping out in Kennewick near Clover Island.
So they looked along the Sacagawea Heritage Trail and in covered places that looked somewhat protected from the winter weather.
HUD gives $600,000 to help Tri-City homeless
HUD gives $600,000 to help Tri-City homeless
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development announced this week that it awarded more than $600,000 to Tri-City agencies combating homelessness.
The announcement came as the department renewed funding for agencies throughout Washington that previously have been awarded money through its Continuum of Care programs.
"The grants we're awarding today will literally keep the doors of our shelters open and will help those on the front lines of ending homelessness do what they do best," HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said in a statement.
Homelessness awareness camp-out starts Wednesday
Homelessness awareness camp-out starts Wednesday
Tri-Citians can get a peek at what it's like to be homeless during the winter.
Those wanting to raise awareness about homelessness will camp out Wednesday through Saturday in tents pitched next to Central United Protestant Church in Richland as part of the third annual Raise Your Tents event.
And as others pass the corner of Williams Boulevard and Stevens Drive, it will serve as a visual reminder that some Tri-Citians lack a home, said Andrew Porter, assistant executive director for the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.
Project Warm-up volunteers run short of materials
Project Warm-up volunteers run short of materials
Holli Calder-Cox has the volunteers.
What Project Warm-up's director doesn't have are the yarn, fleece and flannel for volunteers to knit, crochet and sew hats and other items to help keep some Tri-Citians warm.
The lack of materials comes after the program spent almost all year homeless. The all-volunteer program was housed at the Benton Franklin Volunteer Center, but when the nonprofit closed in January 2010, Calder-Cox said the group lost its space.
Nonprofit for struggling families tweaks name, remodels
Nonprofit for struggling families tweaks name, remodels
PASCO -- The Benton Franklin Community Action Committee is taking steps to make it easier for the nonprofit to help struggling families in Benton and Franklin counties.
Some changes are structural. A recent remodel of CAC's Pasco office created a single lobby for families to apply for housing and energy assistance.
The nonprofit is holding an open house from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at 720 W. Court St. to celebrate its new name and remodeled building.
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