(CENTREVILLE) - The St Joseph County Housing Task Force is seeking community assistance.

The Housing Task Force is asking for the community to give them leads to locate individuals who may be experiencing homelessness during its 2023 Point-inTime (PIT) Count. The PIT Count is a federally mandated street and emergency shelter count of people experiencing homelessness in St. Joseph County. It will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

For this survey, homelessness is defined as any person who is experiencing homelessness that is on the streets or in places not meant for permanent habitation. For example, persons living in campers, tents, unsafe living conditions, etc. would be counted as homeless. Persons living with family or friends do not meet the specific criteria.

Community members can call Keystone Place, 269-467-7078 extension 105 prior to January 25 and leave a message that includes the caller’s name, phone number, and the location of where persons experiencing homelessness can be found. These locations will be checked during the street count to collect survey information from unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness. Agencies and organizations will also collect information from homeless persons presenting themselves at their establishments on the day of the count and days following, as well.

Kelli Tackett, Executive Director of Keystone Place, Inc., says the Homeless Point in Time Count is an important tool for determining the scope of homelessness in our community, defining existing resources available, and identifying gaps to better serve these individuals.

Seventy individuals experiencing homelessness were counted in St. Joseph County on January 26, 2022 during the Point-in-Time count. Sixty-seven were already placed in shelters or motels and three were located during the street count. Services were provided and homeless individuals were assisted with finding housing and other resources.