On Jan. 29, a point in time (PIT) survey was done across Ohio to attempt to identify the number of homeless people in the state, both sheltered and unsheltered. A similar PIT survey is scheduled to be conducted in January 2010. Although exact results could not be obtained due to the elusive nature of the homeless population, estimates were as follows:
During that 24-hour period, 12,821 Ohioans were homeless.
10,327 of these were in homeless shelters, obtaining temporary housing. Many shelters, however, are only open during nighttime hours.
2,492 were not sheltered
5,003 were part of family units, including children
7,816 were individuals
19 percent were chronically homeless (A chronically homeless person is either an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has been continuously homeless for a year or more, or has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years.)
16 percent were severely mentally ill
25 percent were chronic substance abusers
917 people were homeless in the nearby Alliance/Canton/Massillon area alone
During that 24-hour period in Tuscarawas County, there were 45 guests in local homeless shelters. Of these, 15 were part of a family unit that was homeless.
Need to know:
It is estimated that 600,000 families in the United States are homeless each year. This includes approximately 1.35 million children.
Currently, there are just under 40 guests who are homeless and staying at the Friends of the Homeless shelter in New Philadelphia. More than a dozen of these are children. People are housed in individual bedrooms or dormitory style rooms with shared common areas.
How you can help:
There are an additional eight to 10 individuals or more staying nightly at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 122 Third Street NW in New Philadelphia. The church provides shelter to those the main shelter is unable to house. The homeless individuals sleep on pallets on the floor, and have access to a small kitchen area and church restrooms. There are no bathing or shower facilities. To find out more, call the church at 330-339-6439. Donations are welcome, including funds to have more sleeping pallets made in order to accommodate more people each night.
Both the regular and overflow homeless shelters can always use donations. Needed items include new pillows, new or gently used blankets and twin-size sheets, large bath towels, silverware, coffee and drink cups, laundry and dish soap, small household appliances (coffeemakers, toasters, alarm clocks, George Foreman grills, etc.), and all sizes of storage totes, as well as batteries, smoke alarms, first aid kits, CVF light bulbs, baby wipes and all sizes of disposal diapers. Personal items needed for adult men and women include thermal socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, personal hygiene products, etc. Please, no clothing.
Another item needed is a large passenger van with hitch and gasoline cards.
Radio station WTUZ and First National Bank of Dennison are partnering to collect the above items and are also asking for individuals and groups to donate jars of change to go toward supporting the shelters. Donations can be dropped off at the radio station or any of the five First National Bank of Dennison locations.
Those willing to volunteer or donate, or potentially hire shelter residents as employees, are encouraged to call the Friends of the Homeless shelter at 330-602-6100.
You can donate deer meat to the shelters by taking tagged deer to Baltic Meats and Beitzels Meats (New Philadelphia/Stonecreek). They will process it at no cost.
