The Point-in-Time (PiT) Count, performed every other year, helps organizations that serve those experiencing homelessness, and could result in increased state funding. This year, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center was able to rally its staff and volunteers to be a force in the initiative to make sure every person was counted. The PiT Count was held this past Wednesday and Thursday with more than 1000 volunteers.
Since nearly 40% of youth with unstable housing self-identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, it is even more critical that we are a part of the outreach, volunteer training and surveying process so that each person is met with an affirming and welcoming surveyor.
The last count, in 2017, reported a 30% increase in people experiencing homelessness, up from 2015 — from 2,822 to 3,665 in Sacramento County. While it was the highest count of homeless ever recorded in the county, most of those active in this sector knew it was no where near the higher numbers they were serving.
In 2017, the count likely missed a lot of homeless “transitional-age youths,” those in their late teens and early 20s, including those aged out of the foster care system, and those left their families because of coming-out as LGBTQ+.
To help reach more of these youths, Wind Youth Services hosted a daytime event at their headquarters to provide respite, services and opportunities to complete the PiT Count survey. Our youth programs and health staff were on site with the Center’s mobile unit. It was a long and fulfilling day and we were so happy to be a part this amazing initiative.
We want to thank all the volunteers and supporters in our community who made this possible.
We were proud to be a part of this effort, lead by Sacramento Steps Forward and look forward to sharing some of the follow-up projects the Center and other Sacramento non-profits will be expanding and creating once all the information is analyzed and verified.
Looking to help build a future that is uplifting and inclusive? We have lots of opportunities.
Let us know what you’d like to do!
- Volunteer at the Center
- Help us house 200+ youth for the 100 Day Challenge! ‘But how?’ You may ask.
- Have a room/house/apartment to rent – Email Sac100Days@Gmail.com
- Willing to mentor and employ a youth that was experiencing homelessness? – Email Sac100Days@Gmail.com
- Looking to donate furniture, clothes, bikes, cars, etc? – Email Sac100Days@Gmail.com
- Does your school, workplace, organization need some diversity training? Email Rachel.Henry@saccenter.org
- Become a monthly donor — it is truly how we keep growing our programs and our reach.
