PICKENS COUNTY — United Way of Pickens County will conduct a street count of homeless individuals in Pickens County on Jan. 24 as part of the 2013 Point-In-Time Count coordinated by the South Carolina Homeless Coalition. The Point-In-Time Count is a survey of homeless persons in every county in the state.

During last year’s count, 81 homeless individuals were counted in Pickens County. Unfortunately, homeless persons use a variety of public systems in inefficient and costly ways. While it may not be obvious, the chronically homeless create significant costs to local service programs.

A recent cost study on homelessness found that placing four chronically homeless persons into permanent supportive housing saves more than $80,000 a year. An accurate count means not only providing help for the less fortunate but significant savings for city governments and taxpayers.

Volunteers are needed to perform the count throughout different areas in the county. Two information and training sessions will take place on Jan. 15, 6pm at Norris Hall Meeting Room on the Campus of Clemson University in Clemson, SC and Jan. 17, 6:30pm at Carr Center in West End Hall (201 S. 5th Street, Easley, SC 29640). Pre-registration is requested. Cash donations and food vouchers are also needed so that when homeless families are found and counted, they can be provided a meal and alternative lodging.

For more information, please call Steven Lambright at 864-850-7094 x108 or slambright@uwpickens.org