Survey on homelessness due soon

A survey focused on homelessness is taking place this week, Jan. 25-31. The Point in Time Survey a count of the homeless population in Boundary County.

The number of people affected by homelessness in Boundary County is not clearly documented for various reasons, including that most of the homeless population is not out and about in January, due to weather conditions, and that is when the survey is offered, the survey organizer said. 

It is important to have accurate information on the amount of the county’s homeless population who is or has been homeless because funding and resources can be sought out, but this cannot be done without a population count. 

“Last year, there were no surveys to return to Donna Brundage with St. Vincent de Paul, who heads these national surveys,” said Liz Bigsby, community engagement liaison of the Boundary County Community Action Partnership. “I want to invite all community members who find themselves in the situation of being homeless to seek one of the stations offering the P-I-T county surveys. We will have volunteers there to fill out the survey for you and give gift cards for your time.” 

Stations offering the survey will be located at: 

• Boundary County Victim Services: Jan. 25-31 during office hours, 6452 Kootenai St., Bonners Ferry

• Boundary County Library: Jan. 26, from noon to 2 p.m. and Jan. 29 from 2-4 p.m., 6370 Kootenai St., Bonners Ferry

• Community Action Partnership Food Bank: Jan. 29-31 after 1:30 p.m., 6665 Main St., Bonners Ferry