Suffolk News-Herald

The homeless population in Suffolk and throughout the Western Tidewater region will be counted next week.

As the lead agency for the Western Tidewater Continuum of Care Council (WTCCC), the Suffolk Shelter for the Homeless is coordinating the effort as an annual requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

&uot;A good faith effort will be made to count those who are in shelters and those who are living in places that are not meant for human habitation such as cars and abandoned buildings,&uot; said Terry Miller, executive director of the Suffolk Shelter.

&uot;We need the assistance of anyone who works to remedy homelessness to help the WTCCC members with this count,&uot; she added. &uot;Counting the homeless will also provide some evidence about the types of services that should be developed to help this vulnerable population.&uot;

Miller explained that the HUD mandate is a part of the region’s first-time approach to the continuum portion of the program. HUD has asked agencies that address homelessness to prepare a four-part plan that includes prevention, homelessness, transitional housing and permanent housing. Local officials are hopeful that such a plan will open the door to more funding for applicable programs.

The greatest challenge of the counting project will be documenting homeless individuals who do not reside in shelters, said Miller.

&uot;We are spreading the word to all churches and community groups in the entire region,&uot; she added. &uot;There are lots of people who try to help the homeless.&uot;

Forms and instructions for the counting project are available at the Suffolk Shelter for the Homeless at 400 Finney Avenue.

Call Miller or Andrea Fowler at 934-1353 for more information.