Updated on March 2, 2021 at 10:54 am
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An important endeavor to get a better understanding of the homelessness situation in North Texas is underway in Dallas and Collin Counties.
But with the pandemic and the aftermath of a historic winter storm, this year’s count comes at a tricky time.
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The point-in-time count is required by federal law for anyone receiving grants from U.S. Housing and Urban Development to address homelessness issues. Hundreds of volunteers usually split up into groups and walk or drive to certain areas to literally count homeless individuals and conduct questionnaires to better understand their needs. Unsheltered homeless, those with disabilities and veteran homelessness are key data points gathered during the counts.
Fri, 02/12/2021 - 1:15pm
Knox County Homeless Coalition is one of seven Northern New England nonprofit organizations selected to receive donations from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause. The contributions collected in Q4 2020 total nearly $12,000.
“These nonprofit organizations provide much-needed services to our communities, and the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust are honored to be able to assist them with their efforts,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.
Casual for a Cause gives Bank employees the opportunity to dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected during each quarter. The employees then vote on the nonprofits to receive their contributions. Employees have donated more than $100,000 to more than 50 organizations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont since the program launched in 2018.
On March 23, 2020, Gov. Beshear established the Team Kentucky Fund, allowing Kentuckians to support other Kentuckians who suffered a serious financial setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund raised $3,768,222 from 11,411 donors, assisting 3,662 Kentucky families to date.
“During a really challenging year, I was so inspired by every single Kentuckian who contributed to this fund,” said Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. “This is who we are as Kentuckians – working together, neighbor helping neighbor.”
The majority of funds were designated for $1,000 vouchers for individuals that could cover rent, mortgage, utility or food costs. If they are eligible based on program requirements, Kentuckians who completed their applications before Nov. 16, 2020, at 5 p.m. will still receive these vouchers.
Homeless celebrate Christmas, get outreach ahead of cold night in SWFL
Published: December 25, 2020 6:34 PM EST
Updated: December 26, 2020 7:20 AM EST
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With the cold weather expected Friday night, Southwest Florida opened up shelters to make sure people experiencing homelessness had a warm place to stay.
Staff in Lee County handed out blankets and hot coffee to the homeless, as well as hand warmers and socks.
For the past decade, Gene Bradley’s family has celebrated Christmas by bringing holiday cheer to homeless people in their community.
“So we scoped out where we saw people for the last couple of weeks, and we’re out here just giving back what we collected,” Bradley said.
Lee County Homeless Coalition holds vigil for homeless that have died
Published: December 21, 2020 10:55 PM EST
Updated: December 22, 2020 3:12 PM EST
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On Monday night, the Lee County Homeless Coalitioin honored those homeless people who have died with a vigil. A memorial day, of sorts, for the lives lost.
27 candles were lit and placed into 27 white paper bags with all 27 names of the homeless people who have died in Lee County.
The Lee County Homeless Coalition has held this vigil every year for the past 24 years. But, some of the homeless say that something needs to be done to make sure no more people die.