The YWCA of Northcentral Pennsylvania is in the forefront in assisting with the social problem of homelessness, to that end the “YW” will be involved in an effort to identify the needs and provide for the needs of this population.

According to officials at the YWCA, the homelessness service providers of Lycoming County are seeking items to distribute to individuals on the night of January 24 during the annual point-in- time (PIT) during which volunteers canvass the entire county to get a real-time picture of homelessness in our area.

Items such as basic hygiene supplies, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, flashlights, matches, blankets, snacks, handwarmers and more are needed so those who are living in homelessness can have an increased sense of safety, warmth and dignity.

All items donated will be distributed in rugged, durable uniquely-designed CITYPAK backpacks, designed to uniquely meet the constantly changing needs of the homeless. Packs are made of ballistic nylon, include straps for a bedroll, an integrated poncho to keep both the individual and their possessions dry and anti-theft webbing loops so the pack can be hooked onto an arm or leg when needed.

This street-level survey is required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the largest funding source for services and programs for homeless individuals. The information gathered through this process influences the services HUD provides and is used in creating regional planning efforts to work toward the goal of ending homelessness.

To help with this survey, or are interested in lending a hand in anyway, contact Tara Day-Ulrich at the YWCA at (570) 322-4637, ext. 117, or email tday@ywcawilliamsport.org.

The PIT count is facilitated by the Lycoming County Housing Alliance, which includes representatives from the YWCA, Journey House, Family Promise, American Rescue Workers, Salvation Army, Central PA Food Bank, West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission, Lycoming County Pre-Release Center,

Transitional Living Center, Nurse Family Partnership and the United Way.

The Housing Alliance facilitated a count in the Fall 2014 and sixty-six individuals, including 19 accompanied children under the age of 18.