by Betsy Gordon, CHC Board Member
Again this year, the CHC outreach team, COAT, participated in the Point-In-Time (PIT) Count for the Albany area. Every year, towards the end of January, the PIT count counts the number of unhoused individuals in order to secure funding for social services for the upcoming year. COAT director, Carol Davies, was asked to lead the 2024 count for this region.
Beginning 3 weeks prior to the actual count, volunteers were recruited, trained, and scheduled in teams for different locations. In addition to COAT employees, Heather and Michael, 21 people stepped up to assist in the effort, a significant increase from previous years. Once again, Heather and Michael were rock stars leading the efforts. They went above and beyond what was required in order to get the most comprehensive and accurate count yet. Although the preliminary numbers won’t be known for months, indications are that this will be the highest count yet for this area.
Graphic: PIT count numbers in 2023 as compared to 2022. This year’s totals are expected to be even higher.
Michael and Heather continue leading teams on outreach several days a week to distribute food and supplies to those experiencing homelessness. In the month of January, 156 people were seen, and over 400 meals were distributed. With additional training, and added volunteers from Linn County Mental Health and Linn County Alcohol and Drug assisting in outreach, COAT has expanded its services to help those suffering from mental health conditions and drug addiction access the services needed.
Carol and the COAT team are excited and honored to be hosting staff from OHSU on February 15th on their outreach rounds as they offer Hepatitis C testing and vaccinations. This has been a continuing effort by OHSU to offer this service in various counties on an ongoing basis.
As COAT expands its services, new volunteers are alway needed and welcome. If you are interested in volunteering, contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteers@creatinghousing.org.