Between January 25 and January 26, volunteers fanned out across Chelsea’s streets during an overnight initiative to assess the city’s homeless population.
Chelsea participated in its second year of the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count, a coordinated effort to document homelessness. The previous year’s count had identified 14 homeless individuals in the city. This year’s survey revealed a modest increase, with teams locating 16 homeless persons.
Pastor Sandra Whitley coordinated the count in collaboration with the City of Chelsea and the Chelsea Police Department. Four volunteer teams were assigned to different city sectors, each accompanied by a Chelsea Police Officer. Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes noted that the survey “provides us with accurate information that helps us to more effectively navigate individuals to services needed.”
At 47 Clark Ave., volunteers convened on January 25 at 11:30 p.m. to receive training before dispersing into the field.
The count and subsequent debrief wrapped up by 3 a.m.
Volunteers gather on Clark Avenue for a brief training
before going out last Wednesday, Jan. 25, overnight to perform the second annual homeless census. This year, teams
found 16 homeless persons, which was up from 14 last year.