GOVERNMENT County homelessness organization seeks volunteers to assist with point-in-time count
WHERE IS THE COUNT TAKEN?
A point-in-time count provides a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness in a speci c area overnight.
Unsheltered locations
Sheltered locations
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
the data collected through the count is used to gauge what services are needed for homeless populations. “It’s an opportunity for us to understand what the scope of the problem of homelessness is in Williamson County,” Erickson-Collins said. “It’s important because without
In January, the WilCo Homeless Coalition will partner with San Antonio-based Endeavors, a nonpro t dedicated to assisting vulnerable popu- lations, to carry out a point-in-time count of those experiencing homelessness in Williamson County.
• Cars • Parks • Streets and sidewalks
• Transitional housing • Emergency shelter
Volunteer in Williamson County Those interested in the point-in-time count may email homelesswilco@gmail.com . Volunteers will receive training and will be grouped for safety.
understanding the scope of the issue, we don’t know how to address it, and we don’t know how to get resources to the folks that need them.” Coalition President Ebby Green, who also leads the Round Rock and Taylor housing author- ities, said the data gathered through the count is also used at the federal level for planning. “It’s not something that we get funding for, but they do use it across the country,” Green said. Volunteers will help count
This will be the second time the county has taken a count of those who lack stable and adequate housing since 2011. The WilCo Homeless Coalition was founded in 2019 to connect those in need with resources such as through resource fairs. The organization’s long-term goal is to establish temporary shelter for those experiencing homelessness. Ahead of the count, the
“IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO UNDERSTAND THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM OF HOMELESSNESS.” CHRISTEL ERICKSON COLLINS, WILCO HOMELESS COALITION MEMBER
SOURCE: TEXAS HOMELESS NETWORK COMMUNITY IMPACT
areas of Williamson County over the course of two to four hours. “One of the things that volunteers are often con- cerned about is their safety,” Erickson-Collins said. “This is a population that there’s a lot of myths and misunderstandings about. We want volunteers to know that they will never be going out alone. There will be training ahead of the actual count.” Those who are interested in participating in the count must be 18 years or older and may send an email to homelesswilco@gmail.com. Participants are not required to live in Williamson County.
coalition is seeking volunteers to participate in ensuring the county has an accurate count, as bad weather hindered the accuracy of the last count done in February. Coalition member Christel Erickson-Collins said
the number of people who are living unsheltered in vehicles or otherwise out of shelters. Erick- son-Collins said volunteers will walk through
Ascension Complete is a Medicare Advantage Plan made by doctors you trust, so you get the coverage you need. Check out the benefits we offer. Get to know Ascension Complete
Don’t miss out. Annual Enrollment Period:
October December
15
7
–
✓ Preloaded Visa Flex Card to help pay for dental, vision, and hearing benefits not covered by the plan ✓ Vision and hearing coverage ✓ Spiritual Care - Connect virtually with a professionally trained chaplain for your spiritual and emotional needs, anytime, from anywhere ✓ Fitness membership at no additional cost
✓ $0 plan premiums ✓ $0 primary care physician visit copay
✓ Telehealth appointments ✓ Prescription drug coverage
Get the Medicare Advantage coverage you deserve. Call Ascension Complete today to enroll. ✓ More money back in your Social Security check every year ✓ Dental services with no annual maximum, including exams, fillings, extractions, implants, and dentures ($0 copay for preventive services, 30% cost share for comprehensive services)
1-877-844-4436 (TTY: 711) 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. medicare.ascensioncomplete.com
Benefits vary by plan.
Ascension Complete is contracted with Medicare for HMO and PPO plans. Our D-SNP plans have a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Ascension Complete depends on contract renewal.
Y0020_CNC_90828E_M FINAL1 CMS Accepted 09172022
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook