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As you begin planning for the count, consider that this initiative can be an effective way of engaging your community in the effort to end homelessness. At the same time, the success of the count is dependent upon effective community engagement.
A PiT Count can help to inform and educate key stakeholders, including the general public, media, policy makers, the business sector, social services sector and people experiencing homelessness. Cross-sector collaboration will encourage buy-in and provide additional resources to support the count, including money, volunteers, supplies and expert knowledge.
The count can catalyze your community to perceive and address homelessness differently. The process of planning and implementing the count will generate cross-sector mobilization that can be leveraged as you implement other initiatives, including a Plan to End Homelessness or Housing First programs. Doing the count in a collaborative fashion can increase support for your efforts, facilitate new alliances and build and strengthen partnerships.
You may also use the count as a starting point to rehousing homeless individuals. To do so, you must engage stakeholders to develop innovative ways of obtaining housing and supports to offer. At minimum, you should consider how you will use the information you obtain during the count to generate action on homelessness; an objective that requires community participation. This will mean that the lead organization/group should consider its role in the community, as well as its capacity to take on this initiative and what skills and resources may be required to do so.
Ensure that as many stakeholders as possible are aware of the count and are invited to contribute. Having a clear understanding of the purpose of the count, the role of the lead organization/group, timing, scope etc. can go a long way in engaging volunteers, garnering support and smoothing out implementation.
By considering potential supporters outside the 'usual suspects' list, you can add to the skills and expertise available for this and other efforts to address homelessness. For example, consider engaging municipal parks and bylaw departments; they are likely to know encampments and how best to approach these encampments in a safe manner.
Other questions you may ask:
- Are there businesses that would be willing to donate supplies (maps, food, clothing, photocopying, hats, gloves, flashlights, etc.)?
- Are there university classes willing to volunteer?
- Could a researcher assist with implementation and analysis of the count?