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| Photo courtesy NUSHA |
From NUSHA
In the early hours of January 24th, volunteers set out to conduct the annual point-in-time count of unsheltered individuals throughout the county. Volunteers scoured bridges, parking lots, and anywhere else they believed they could find someone living on the streets. This year's One Night Count showed a marked increase in individuals living without shelter in King County.
The 2014 count revealed that 3,117 men, women, and children spent the night on the streets. This figure is up 14% from 2013's count of 2,736 people. These 3,117 individuals were each recognized with a strike of a gong the next day in Westlake Park by volunteers and housing advocates at an event organized by Real Change.
For the last 34 years, the One Night Count has helped inform the work King County has done in the quest to end homelessness. It also provides an excellent opportunity for volunteers to understand the extent of homelessness in our community. After the count, participants are encouraged to attend an advocacy workshop and lobby their local governments to provide greater systemic assistance in the fight against homelessness.
For more information on the One Night Count, visit Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness' website.
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