Jessica Fisher, Public Information Assistant, 509.625.6749
Friday, January 11, 2019 at 4:35 p.m.
The Everybody Counts campaign is a community effort to engage and better the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Everybody Counts includes a donation drive and a Point-in-Time census of people experiencing homelessness in Spokane County. The campaign gives volunteers a unique opportunity to learn about the City of Spokane’s work to end homelessness, interact with those experiencing homelessness, and provide them with resources to better their lives.
Last year, 1,245 people were counted during the census in the City of Spokane, City of Spokane Valley, Deer Park, Cheney, Fairwood and the outlying areas within Spokane County. This Point-In-Time census is conducted every January during the last ten days of the month and is designed to give every federally-funded community a snapshot of homelessness where they live. The Point-In-Time count will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24.
This year, we will once again hold Everybody Counts Youth Events. Youth experiencing homelessness tend to rely on friends or family for housing. These events are held to draw-in youth experiencing homelessness and their friends or family that they might be temporarily staying with. Learn about resources in the community that could help you or your peers who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, while participating in numerous fun activities and enjoying free treats!
There will be four Everybody Counts Youth Events this year.
For the first time, we will be holding an Everybody Counts Veterans Event. Veterans are encouraged to join us, learn about homelessness, and find out what you can do to help. There will be resources on hand for veterans experiencing homelessness.
This year, the 8th Annual Homeless Connect event will once again be held at the Salvation Army. The purpose of this event is to address homelessness throughout Spokane County by bringing together more than 50 service providers offering a wide variety of services under one roof for anyone experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
The Point-In-Time count is a critical element in our effort to end homelessness and these types of events will help us get an accurate count of those experiencing homelessness. The data gathered from this census shows us so much more than how many people are homeless in Spokane – we also learn more about who is homeless, why they are homeless, and what barriers they are facing, as well as key data points that can impact new programs. With the data from previous years, we can see trends, target areas, and gather information about whether or not our programs are effective. The data from this count also helps us secure funding for future services from state and federal sources.
During these events we will be handing out donations collected from the annual Everybody Counts Donation Drive. The donation drive runs through Monday, Jan. 14 and donations are being accepted at 16 drop-off locations. You can also contribute by buying donation items from our Amazon wish list! These donations will be delivered directly to City Hall. Show those experiencing homelessness that everybody counts by donating today!
