Just because you can't see them...

Call it a hidden problem, but one that is still very real in Fayette County.

Staff and volunteers from Community Action took time Tuesday to locate the hidden homeless in Fayette County as part of the state-wide Point in Time count. The results will determine how much funding each county gets for homeless aid and prevention."Today we are trying to capture the number of people who are homeless in our county, to justify funding," said Christina Blair Continuum of Care Director at Fayette County Community Action. "It is basically a one-day snap shot of how many people we ahve in need in our County."

Community Action staff members and volunteers conduct interviews in the field, and at the drop-in center.

"We had a lot of voluneteers come out today, approximately 17 working the drop-in center throughout the day, and 24 out doing the street count," Blair.

As of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the volunteers counted 78 sheltered homeless people and 17 unsheltered people in Fayette County. Blair hopes to get a more detailed look at how and why people become homeless in Fayette County, and get them the help they need.

"At the drop-in center, we interview them and see where they are sleeping, we talk about their situations and the staff will help the people determine what benefits they might be eligible for," said Blair. "People have generously donated care-packages with hygiene items, blankets, tents, diapers, clothes and tarps. If people are unsheltered, we put them up in a motel for the night and then try to work with them on housing. We also offer everybody a meal."

 According to Blair, the most effective volunteers are those who have benefitted from a program that Community Action has provided them, and has decided to give back.

"The volunteers are always very accepting. I love seeing people who have been through the programs give back. It is nice to see the community come together," said Blair. "One year, a person who came into the drop-in center said to me 'once I get through this, I am going to go into social work. I want to pay it forward,' that was really inspiring.

Winifred Brown heard about the Point in Time count through her internship at the Second Chance Program.

"I'm glad I now have the ability to give back after I went through a tough time. The whole experience has been eye-opening. I guess you get caught up in your own life, and you don't realize how many people need help. But it is the reality," said Brown. "I'm glad I am able to help. It takes a lot to step up and come throught that door to admit you need the help. In my life, pride got in my way a few times. But now I see if you don't ask, you don't get. I look forward to helping next year."

According to Blair, many people are unaware that homelessness is a problem in Fayette County.

"People tend to think homelessness is an urban problem, because they see more homeless people in urban areas. But it is just as prevalent in rural areas, the homeless just tend to be more hidden," Blair said.

Volunteer Lynne Barbiero, a former resident of Philedelphia, was surprised.

"I am from Philadelphia so I am used to seeing homeless people out. I'm not used to seeing them here, it was a surprise," Barbiero said.

Barbiero was looking to donate hand-made scarves when she found out about the Point in Time count and decided to volunteer.

"I just wanted to help, I was making scarves and right when I was looking for a place to donate them, I heard about the Point in Time count," Barbeiro said. "I am glad I can help."

Full results will be determined in February, after interviews and forms are processed and reported by the Community Action Commission.