Homeless count set this month

For the eighth straight year, the Central Oregon Homeless Leadership Coalition is conducting a one-day count of people who are homeless or in transitional housing in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. This count is a part of a national effort to identify the number of people struggling to find appropriate and adequate housing.

Throughout the day on Thursday, January 24, volunteers will be conducting confidential and anonymous surveys in Bend, La Pine, Sisters, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras. This one-day count will provide the most up-to-date information about the number of individuals in Central Oregon who are struggling to find adequate housing. Through this data, local agencies and programs are able to qualify for increased funding, better target support services, and develop comprehensive plans to address poverty and homelessness in Central Oregon.

Individuals and families counted through this effort include people living in:

• Weekly motels.

• Shelters.

• Transitional housing.

• "Doubled up" with other families.

• Camping or sleeping in cars.

• Other places not designed for long-term human habitation.

The Homeless Leadership Coalition often relies on friends and families to aid in identifying people who should be included as a part of this One Night Homeless Count. If you, or someone you know, should be included in the count, contact 541-280-1137, or visit the nearest Command Center site on January 24 to complete a confidential and anonymous survey.

Blankets and sleeping bags, pet food, propane, and other items will be available at various command center sites throughout Central Oregon, while supplies last.

Sisters' command center site is Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, 225 N. Oak St.; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.