YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – On Wednesday, volunteers with the Yuma Coalition to End Homelessness began counting Yuma County's homeless population.
Starting this morning, volunteers took to the streets of Yuma searching for homeless individuals and families.
Individuals will be asked whether they were at home or sleeping on the street on January 23rd.
“We were given a specific location and we just looked around, walked around, drove around and saw if we could spot anyone who might be homeless and see if we could investigate. And if they let us, we're going to investigate.'' We also have backpacks and supplies,'' said Anthony Crocker, a student at NAU Yuma.
NAU social work student Anthony Crocker is one of 100 volunteers who will be surveying the annual point-in-time count of homeless people in Yuma County this year.
He explains why he decided to participate.
“You get to experience exposure to people who have it harder than others, and you get to give back,” Crocker said.
The group's president says it would not be possible without the help of volunteers.
Lucia Wilson, chairwoman of the Yuma Coalition to End Homelessness, said, “People need to go through training in advance to learn tips, how to ask questions, and personal safety precautions.” .
This count is part of a nationwide effort.
The state of Arizona and the U.S. Department of Housing use these numbers to determine the funding the area receives.
The state of Arizona and the U.S. Department of Housing urges us to “take a snapshot of their needs and what brought them to the streets, so we can help raise funds in our counties.” The State of Arizona and the U.S. Department of Housing say they use these numbers to determine the funding our area receives.
“Create a snapshot of their needs and what led them to the streets. It will help us raise money in our county,” said Amber Herzog, Salvation Army Yuma Corps Officer. the lieutenant said.
A survey last year found 119 people in Yuma County were unsheltered.
To provide the most accurate picture of the number of homeless people in our community, the annual point-in-time count will continue through the remainder of this week.
Click here to join: https://yumahomeless.com/
