Evansville and Vanderburgh County Report Annual Point-in-Time Count of Homelessness 

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 Evansville and Vanderburgh County Report Annual Point-in-Time Count of Homelessness 

  • • Results not directly comparable to prior years due to impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • • During the pandemic, the Commission’s focus was on preventing the spread of COVID-19 within the area’s homeless population, and helping area citizens maintain their housing. 

EVANSVILLE, Ind., July 30, 2021—The Commission on Homelessness for Evansville and Vanderburgh County and the regional Homeless Services Council today announced the results of the 2021 Point-in-Time (PIT) count of homelessness for the region that includes Evansville and Vanderburgh County. Since the count was taken in January, at the height of the pandemic, the significantly lower results aren’t directly comparable to those in prior years. 

2021 PIT Count Results – The number of individuals experiencing homelessness in 2021 was 359, down 26% from 488 in 2020. There were 313 households experiencing homelessness this year, a 23% decline from 407 in 2020. 

“The impact of COVID-19 and shelters’ reduced capacity to house clients prohibited a full, accurate count this year,” said Timothy Weir, Administrator of the Commission on Homelessness. “We’re now preparing for a potential increase in homelessness after the CDC eviction moratorium expires on July 31st.” 

“Now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased and shelters operating again at pre-pandemic capacity levels, the number of people experiencing homelessness in our region today is likely at 2019-2020 levels,” Danette Romines, Chair of the Homeless Services Council and Director of Programs for Aurora, said. 

Focus on Health, Housing Stability – During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission on Homelessness and Homeless Services Council focused on protecting people experiencing 2 

homelessness from COVID-19, and helping those at risk of homelessness remain housed. This included the following: 

  • • Independent Self-Isolation Center – The Commission established and operated the collaborative, volunteer-staffed Independent Self-Isolation Center from April 2020 to March 2021. It provided safe, secure isolation services to nearly 80 men, women and children who experienced homelessness and COVID-19. 
  • • COVID-19 Vaccinations – During 2021, the Commission conducted on-site and mobile clinics to administer vaccinations to 326 people experiencing homelessness (as of July 21, 2021). The Vanderburgh County Health Department, Ascension, shelters, and community volunteers have participated in this collaborative effort. 
  • • White Flag Emergency Shelter – The CK Newsome Center served as the region’s White Flag Emergency Shelter this winter to accommodate social distancing. Operated by United Caring Services and Evansville Rescue Mission, it provided the unsheltered homeless population with safe, warm overnight shelter during extreme cold weather. 
  • • Homelessness Prevention – Many agencies helped area households avoid homelessness. These included Aurora’s rental assistance program conducted with the State of Indiana with support from the Greater Evansville Relief Fund. CAPE, The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St Vincent de Paul, and township trustees provided additional assistance. 

About the Regional Point-in-Time Count 

The annual Point in Time (PIT) count is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for metropolitan areas receiving HUD funding to address homelessness. Usually held on the fourth week in January, PIT counts the number of individuals experiencing homelessness who live in shelters or in places not meant for human habitation. Starting at the White Flag Emergency Shelter at CK Newsome Center, this year’s PIT count was conducted on the night of January 27, 2021 and concluded on January 28, 2021. The region’s PIT count is conducted by Aurora’s Homeless Outreach Team, volunteers, agencies and shelters, including the Evansville Police Department, United Caring Services, the House of Bread and Peace, Ozanam Family Shelter, Evansville Rescue Mission, the YWCA, and the Albion Fellows Bacon Center, among others. 

Our area’s Regional Planning Council on Homelessness – Region 12 – includes the counties of Knox, Daviess, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, Posey Vanderburgh, Warrick, Spencer, and Perry. 

About the Commission on Homelessness 

The Commission on Homelessness for Evansville and Vanderburgh County was formed in 2005 to direct and facilitate the implementation of strategic actions to prevent and end homelessness in our community. The Commission includes representatives of local non-profit and civic organizations, City and County government, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, the United Way of Southwestern Indiana, the Evansville Housing Authority, and homeless services and housing organizations, among others. Together, they provide leadership for local implementation of national programs and resources to address homelessness, including housing initiatives, coordinated entry and other community-wide homeless processes, homeless diversion and prevention programs and related matters. For more: www.evansvillehomeless.org/ and www.facebook.com/evvhomeless/ 

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