2009 Homeless Census
- Roy Shinn
- Jan 28, 2009
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The city of Riverside is conducting a census on January 28, 2009 to enumerate the homeless residents in the city. This census will take place between 4am to 10pm and will be conducted by volunteers recruited from city departments, the colleges, and local churches.
The homeless census will occur on the streets, anywhere homeless residents can be found, and at service provider locations all throughout the city. Persons who will be counted in the census must meet the definition of "homeless" set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
"A person is considered homeless only when he/she resides in one of the places described below:
a. in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, and abandoned buildings;
b. in an emergency shelter;
c. in transitional or supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets or emergency shelter;
d. in any of the above places but is spending a short time (up to 30 consecutive days) in a hospital or other institution;
e. is being evicted within a week from a private dwelling unit and no subsequent residence has been identified and the person lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing; or
f. is being discharged within a week from an institution in which the person has been a resident for more than 30 consecutive days and no subsequent residence has been identified and he/she lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing."
The purpose of this census is to obtain an up-to-date record of the number of homeless residents in Riverside to identify trends in homelessness in our communities. The census will also provide a "benchmark number" to help HUD and city organizations provide services and programs for the homeless for years to come. Ultimately, the purpose of the census is to respond to "the unmet needs and gaps in services for homeless individuals and families in Riverside County" and "develop local community and county-wide strategies to meet the goal of ending homelessness as we know it today over the next ten years."
Quotes and data taken from: http://www.211riversidecounty.org/Client/InformRiverside/volunteer/FAQ%20Sheet%202009.pdf
