By The Star Staff
Hundreds of volunteers from organizations and agencies that make up the Continuum of Care (CoC-PR502) took to the streets this week to carry out the 2024 Homeless Count, which this year seeks more information on the difficulties of obtaining a home in Puerto Rico.
“The homeless count is an activity carried out every two years mandated by the McKinney-Vento Act designed to ensure rights and services to homeless families and individuals, including those who share the housing of others due to loss of home, financial hardship, or another reason,” said Belinda Hill, president of CoC-PR502 and executive director of the nonprofit Solo Por Hoy Inc., one of the organizations participating in the count.
Hill said the count includes individuals living in motels, trailer parks, or campgrounds because they do not have an adequate shelter alternative and those who sleep in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, or substandard housing.
“The count allows an analysis of trends and needs by geographic area,” she said. “In addition, it provides accurate data to understand the magnitude of the problem, allowing us to reevaluate our policies and the allocation of funds based on the needs of homeless people in Puerto Rico.”
Although the mandate is that a count be taken every two years, CoC-PR502 decided to do it annually.
Around 300 volunteers from government organizations and agencies, such as the Family and Housing departments, and the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA), who make up CoC-PR502, are participating in the count. The information collected from those surveyed will be released in a report by Estudios Técnicos Inc. in April.
“The data also supports demographic profiling, allowing for more targeted and effective approaches in providing services to homeless individuals and families,” Hill said. “We are interested in having the data to measure progress, realign our approach, and identify steps to reduce and eradicate homelessness.”
Last year, officials counted 1,078 homeless people in the island’s 24 northern municipalities. The figure excludes more than 1,000 people who sleep in the CoC-PR502 housing projects.
“This year, we will collect data more focused on identifying specific barriers to housing placement, such as whether they have a pet or service animal, whether they are receiving treatment for a health condition such as HIV, and whether they have an approved housing voucher but remain in the street due to the shortage of affordable housing on the island,” the head of Solo Por Hoy said. “Our mission is that no one, but no one, has to live on the streets.”
In the most recent count, 52% of the people counted were homeless for the first time for economic reasons, Hill said.