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Gila County – What does it take to end homelessness in our community? A shared vision, housing solutions and reimagined systems.
In other words, it takes us all.
This is from Allison Torres, Continuum of Care Coordinator, Gila County Community Services Department.
Our county is part of what is known as the Balance of State Continuum of Care (BoSCoC), a state program for Arizona’s “non-metro” counties, she explains.
This program coordinates funding of housing resources and services for people experiencing homelessness.
In addition, goals and initiatives will be created for the Local Coalition to End Homeless (LCEH) to promote within the community.
“Of course, the ultimate goal is to end homelessness,” says Torres.
The county’s Community Services Department is the lead agency for the local LCEH, better known as the “Gila County Homeless Task Force.”
“We meet monthly to address homelessness issues, share resources, advance community goals, and explore funding,” said Torres.
From Wednesday, January 25 through Monday, January 30, the Homeless Task Force and counties will conduct a “point in time” (PIT) count survey, which will be submitted to states and ultimately to the U.S. Department of Housing. Urban development (HUD).
Among other things, the statistics are used to “measure progress in considering fundraising, attempting to bring new resources into the community, raising awareness, and addressing the needs of those experiencing homelessness.”
The PIT count survey asks unprotected individuals where they stayed on the night of January 24th.
“We are shooting January 25th to be a big investigative evening in both northern and southern Gila County,” says Torres.
In Southern Gila County, the CAP office at 5515 S. Apache Ave., Suite 200, Globe will also be conducting surveys January 25-27 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
“Our big event will be a dinner on Wednesday, January 25th from 4-6pm at St. Paul’s (220 E Cedar St.) in The Globe,” said Cobre Valley’s Homeless Coalition. says Torres. “We will also provide jackets, blankets and other basic clothing and hygiene items for those who need them.”
In northern Gila County, volunteers will open daily at 4:00 pm and serve dinner from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at New Directions–The Warming Center, 601 AZ-260, Payson. Showers are also available.
Volunteers will conduct surveys during these times from Wednesday, January 25th through Sunday, January 30th.
PIT numbers can also be surveyed at the Community Action Program (CAP) office at 514 S. Beeline Highway, Payson from Wednesday, January 25 to Friday, January 27, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Torres points out that in addition to the events and surveys at specific locations, other volunteers will take to the streets over the five days.
Volunteers are welcome, but must undergo brief training and sign a confidentiality statement, she explains.
Those interested in joining the movement can join the Homeless Task Force meeting on Zoom on the 4th Thursday of each month at 10am.
For the PIT count, the January meeting was held on January 19th at 10am.
“This will allow for discussion and training in preparation for the survey that will be completed next week,” said Torres, who is also a contact for the Homeless Task Force.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Allison Torres at 928-425-7631 or email atatorres@gilacountyaz.gov.
