Point in Time survey starts this week | Letter to the editor

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The U.N. has declared that “Housing is a human right.” But for far too many working individuals, families, people with disabilities, and seniors living on a fixed income, the lack of affordable housing is a local crisis!

More than half of the renters in Jefferson County live in housing they cannot afford. Increases in rent and the cost of living, a shortage of living-wage full-time employment opportunities, and a lack of housing supply at all levels, are impacting housing stability and the overall economy of communities across Washington. As a result, more and more households are being pushed to the brink of becoming homeless.

Many people assume that “homeless people” are transients and have come from somewhere else. 

However, recent studies indicate that: “Most people, contrary to this notion of vagrancy and transience, are homeless in the community where they were once housed.”

From Jan. 26 through the end of the month, volunteers from the local community will be assisting OlyCAP in conducting an annual Point In Time (PIT) count of individuals and households who do not have housing or are at risk of losing their housing.

Confidential interviews may be conducted at local food banks, community centers, veteran’s service offices, and other places where we — and our friends and neighbors — gather.

The survey begins with the question: “Where did you sleep last night?” 

Experience has shown that the answers may range from “my house” or “couch surfing with friends,” to “a tent, a vehicle, the Shelter,” or “a bench in the park.” 

The follow-up question may be: “Are you or anyone you know, in danger of losing your housing in the near future?” And the startling response is — too frequently — a choked up or angry, “Yes!”

Your cooperative response to the PIT survey could make the difference for funding and building more local affordable housing!

Barbara Morey
PORT TOWNSEND