More than 25 different housing, advocacy and support agencies were on hand last Friday at the Aberdeen Eagles for the annual homeless count organized by the Coastal Community Action Program.
The event serves as a way to provide needed services to those without a consistent place to stay and also tabulates the number of people that attend to see how prevalent homelessness is within Aberdeen and Hoquiam.
Attendees were able to receive access to a number of different services, including haircuts, flu shots, clothing and a hot meal. A table was set up for each agency that participated in the event that occupied two rooms at the Eagles.
“It’s a very needed thing,” Chandra Miller-Starks said of the event. “Part of the goal is to get a count so we have a number so we can apply for more services. Without that data, it’s hard to justify the need.” Starks is a human services instructor at Grays Harbor College and some of her students were volunteering at the event.
Among the organizations participating were Evergreen Treatment Services, Domestic Violence Center, Beyond Survival, Housing Authority of Grays Harbor, Children’s Advocacy Center, Grays Harbor Public Health and the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Matt Mazur-Hart is the Homeless Programs Coordinator with the Washington State Department of Commerce. He said the count is a way to see what areas need to be funded.
“It helps us get a better picture of the homeless population throughout the state. If there’s a high percent with mental health issues, then that speaks to (having) more mental health services. A lot of families with children gives you an idea of what kind housing you need,” he said.
At this point, a number has yet to be determined.
Since those without a place to stay probably don’t have access to social media or other news sources, getting the word out about the event seems like it would be difficult. But Jennifer Madison, who is a case manager for the homeless at CCAP, said she informed many who attended when she saw them while she was on the job.
“Word of mouth travels faster than the internet,” Madison joked.
Johnny Gullotto has been homeless on Grays Harbor for two years. He heard of the event on Thursday night from another transient friend. Gullotto had a bag of information he received at the event and said he enjoyed the free meal. However, he stressed the need for more outreach similar to the count, saying that most of the time, the homeless don’t get what they need.
“We’re homeless and people look at us and just think that we’re all drug addicts. They need more services like this. We’re displaced,” he said.
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