Local volunteers joined in ‘Point-in-Time’ homeless count
HOMELESS COUNT volunteers from Greater Wilshire include, left to right, front: Beverlee Jean, Allison Powell; middle: Tammy Rosato, Joy McManus, Allison Schallert; rear: Preston Grant, Max Kirkham and Conrad Starr.
From 9 p.m. to midnight on Jan. 23, volunteers spread out throughout the parts of Los Angeles on this side of the Hollywood Hills — counting the number of individuals, families and encampments they saw on the streets. Residents of Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council (GWNC) communities undertook this work in the 22 census tracts within the neighborhood council boundaries.
The annual Los Angeles County Point-in-Time Homeless Count took place over three days, Jan. 21-23, to determine how many people are homeless in the county.
Organized locally by GWNC directors Max Kirkham, of Oakwood-Maplewood-St. Andrews Neighborhood, and Tammy Rosato, of La Brea –Hancock, the evening started with a 7:30 p.m. training session at Hope Lutheran Church on Melrose Avenue. Councilman David Ryu spoke to the teams before they left. The groups of three traveled in cars and drove through their assigned census tracts. Throughout the county, the volunteers have been reporting the numbers of individuals — in categories of those over age 24, ages 18 to 24, and as unaccompanied minors under age 18. The counters also noted family units, when found, as well as vehicles, tents and makeshift shelters. The countywide results of the count will be available in several months.
The day following the late-night survey, organizer Tammy Rosato reported:
“We ended up with more than 40 volunteers and counted all of our tracts. The last team returned just before midnight.
“We also saved a St. Charles Cavalier dog roaming the streets, and — thru the use of NextDoor — found the owner, who came to collect the sweet pup at Hope Lutheran Church.
“All in all a great night of the community coming together!”
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