New Visions and Joseph’s House Partner with NJ Counts 2016

“NJ Counts 2016”–New Jersey’s annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count of the Homeless—was held on Wednesday, January 27. Four teams of outreach workers visited all parts of Camden County, searching for homeless persons to complete PIT surveys.

In conjunction with the PIT count, once again New Visions Homeless Day Shelter and Joseph’s House of Camden hosted the Project Homeless Connect for Camden County at their Atlantic Avenue location. Service providers–representing housing, employment and training, legal assistance, financial assistance, and health care– came to meet with individuals seeking assistance in overcoming barriers to acquiring housing and other services tied to homelessness. In addition, volunteers conducted PIT surveys on-site with many of the homeless individuals who benefit from the shelter and services provided by New Visions and Joseph’s House.

WHY “NJ COUNTS” IS IMPORTANT

The PIT Count is the only opportunity throughout the year for most communities to take a comprehensive look at the total homeless population. It is especially crucial in assessing the needs of the unsheltered homeless. Each year, it provides a statewide snapshot of homeless households in our communities by identifying where they find shelter, what their needs are, and what factors contribute to making them homeless.

The annual PIT Count can reveal important demographic data and other information about families and individuals who were homeless on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. Information collected through face-to-face conversations is obtained with the help of government agencies, community-based organizations, and local volunteers. In New Jersey, each county’s PIT Count is planned, coordinated, and carried out locally. Information gathered enables each community to better allocate housing resources and services in order to prevent and end homelessness.