def #12 01/25/10

OCEAN COUNTY PARTICIPATES IN POINT-IN-TIME SURVEY

OCEAN COUNTY will participate in the “Point-in-Time” survey, a statewide effort to obtain an accurate count of New Jersey’s homeless population in response to a directive from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The survey will be taken throughout the County on Jan. 27.

“This survey is a cooperative effort amongst a number of agencies in Ocean County including the Ocean County Department of Human Services,” said Human Services Director Jill Perez. “The information gathered from the survey helps HUD and the county in determining need for programs and services for the homeless.”

The survey is done in conjunction with Project Homeless Connect, which consists of the centralized locations where not only the Point in Time survey can be filled out but residents can receive a warm meal in addition to getting connected with agencies that can offer assistance.

Surveys can be filled out at the Project Homeless Connect sites at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Lakewood, Ocean County Hunger Relief, Route 166, Toms River, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Seaside Heights and St. Francis Community Center, Brant Beach.

Sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27 and a light meal will be offered as well as access to clothing for individuals who complete a survey.

At Our Lady of Perpetual Help health services, including vaccines against seasonal flu and H1N1 will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. based upon availability. Participants who fill out a survey also will receive a bag containing donated items, information about services available in Ocean County and emergency contact numbers.

For information on the Point-in-Time count and/or the Project Homeless Connect sites please call Kathy Jaworski or Susan Mascola at 732-506-5374.

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