Faith Ryan | Director Office of Adult Services | Centre County Government
Every year, Centre County joins the State of Pennsylvania in a nationwide initiative called the Point-in-Time (PIT) count. PIT offers an opportunity to locate and connect with the unsheltered homeless population who our service providers may or may not already be aware of. During last year’s count, 4 individuals were identified as being unsheltered and homeless on the night of Wednesday, January 23rd; meaning they had slept somewhere that is typically not meant for human habitation. A location that is deemed unsuitable for human habitation includes: the street, vehicles, tents, hallways, campground sites, abandoned buildings, or under bridges. During the day, the unsheltered homeless population may find respite at restaurants, retailers, libraries, and other community buildings.
This year, teams will be canvasing Centre County on Thursday, January 23rd looking to connect with and provide services to the unsheltered homeless population. Teams will ask where they slept the night before (Wednesday, January 22nd), offer housing and shelter referrals, and provide care packages. In addition, teams would also like to speak with individuals/families that are homeless but “doubled-up” (i.e. staying with family and/or friends) or experiencing near-homelessness to discuss emergency, temporary, or permanent housing options. While 4 unsheltered homeless individuals were identified last year during PIT, 125 homeless individuals were also sheltered in either one of our emergency shelters, transitional housing units, or Housing First programs.
Homelessness is a very real issue in Centre County and, in an effort to connect with the individuals/families that need our services the most, we are asking for your assistance. If you know the whereabouts of someone who is homeless, or you yourself are homeless, please contact the Office of Adult Services (adultservices@centrecountypa.gov OR 814-355-6768 ext. 2) no later than Tuesday, January 21st, 2020.