United Way of the Midlands gears up for the 2018 Point-in-Time count to assess homelessness in the Midlands
January 3, 2018
The Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH), led by United Way of the Midlands, will conduct the area’s annual homelessness Point-in-Time (PIT) Count January 24 – 28, 2018.
The PIT Count is a national effort led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to estimate the number of Americans without safe, stable housing to produce a one-day snapshot of community needs.
“The PIT Count serves two functions: to count the number of people experiencing homelessness over a specified period and to gather information on the demographics and service needs of the local homeless population,” said Sara Fawcett, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands. “Over the last four years, the PIT Count has shown a 40 percent decrease in homelessness in the Midlands.”
United Way is asking the community to help in the annual PIT Count by registering to volunteer or contributing items to the PIT Count Donation Drive being held through January 12. United Way is collecting new warm weather items including scarves, gloves, socks, hats and more.
Donations can be dropped off or mailed to United Way of the Midlands located at 1818 Blanding Street, Columbia S.C., 29201. Community members interested in volunteering or supplying items should visit www.midlandshomeless.com/2018-point-in-time-count for more information.
About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is the most organized, efficient and accountable system for investing in the community. With more than 70 Community Impact Partners, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations. For more information, please visit www.uway.org.
About the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless
Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless is the local homeless coalition created to address homelessness through collaboration, advocacy, and planning. It serves the counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Chester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland and York. MACH is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a federal Continuum of Care. For more information, please visit www.midlandshomeless.com.
