-Editorial
Imperial County is gearing up for its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count, a crucial initiative aimed at assessing the scope of homelessness across the state. Scheduled for late January, the PIT count is a federally mandated survey conducted by local Continuums of Care (CoCs) to provide a comprehensive snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night.
The count, which involves volunteers, city officials, and nonprofit organizations, includes individuals living on the streets, in shelters, or in other temporary housing. Data gathered from this effort is instrumental in shaping local, state, and federal policies, as well as determining the allocation of resources to address the homelessness crisis.
Paula Llanas, Imperial County Director of Social Services, emphasized the significance of the efforts in addressing homelessness in Imperial County:
“One of the main things we’ve accomplished is gaining a clearer understanding of our local homeless population and the reasons behind their situations. This work has also had a direct impact on our ability to secure funding. Over the years, we’ve successfully obtained at least $20 million in grant funding, which has been distributed to local community-based organizations and individuals to provide critical services for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”
The 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count for Imperial County, conducted on January 26, 2024, provided a snapshot of the homeless population in the region. The count reported 1,508 homeless individuals, including 1375 unsheltered persons and 133 in shelters or transitional housing. Among those in shelters, there were 26 households without children and 15 households with at least one adult and one child. Key demographics showed that most unsheltered individuals were aged 35 to 64, with 899 people in this age range. The data highlighted disparities in homelessness, with Hispanic/Latino individuals representing a significant proportion of the unsheltered population.
The report also shed light on vulnerable populations within the homeless community. There were 503 chronically homeless individuals, 50 with severe mental illness, 37 veterans, and 6 persons living with HIV/AIDS. Youth homelessness was also a critical concern, with 78 unaccompanied youths and 4 parenting youths recorded.
“Community awareness and engagement are essential. Participating in the Point-In-Time Count helps raise awareness about homelessness in our community and fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges individuals face. More importantly, it promotes collaboration and partnerships,” Llanas said. “This process wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of volunteers and the contributions they bring. It’s a community-driven effort that not only helps us conduct the count but also guides us in developing solutions to address homelessness locally.”
The Imperial Valley Continuum of Care Council is seeking volunteers for the 2025 Point-in-Time Count in Imperial County, including Slab City. The count will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM, and Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and are required to complete a training session. For more information or to register, contact Andrea M. Arballo at andreamarballo@co.imperial.ca.us, (442) 283-0094, or (760) 337-7833, or visit www.imperialvalleycontinuumofcare.org.
Training sessions for the 2025 Point-in-Time Count will be held on multiple dates and locations: January 9, 2025, at 5:30 PM at El Centro Library; January 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Brawley City Council Chambers; and January 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Brawley City Council Chambers. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, willing to work in a team, sign a liability release form, and attend one training session lasting approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Registration is required to participate.
