STEPS, Inc., partnered with other Heartland Local Planning Group members and Longwood University Sociology Club to conduct the Annual Point In Time Count.

The Point In Time Count is a statewide initiative to establish a snapshot of how many individuals and families in the region were homeless on the night of January 25, 2017 6p.m., to January 26, 2017 6a.m.

Teams traveled to Amelia, Buckingham, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties interviewing homeless individuals. The Longwood University Sociology Club partners were Dr. JoEllen Pederson, Victoria Perry, Lacey Hodges, Taylor Bryant and Taylor Hughes. NiVeka Boswell and Ashley Bowles from Prince Edward Department of Social Services donated their time as well as Sara Parrish from Cumberland County Department of Social Services.

Local law enforcement and representatives of the Buckingham County Department of Social Services also assisted. Madeline’s House provided their support ensuring those who were sheltered in their facility were counted.

The data will be shared with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Identified individuals, who were not sheltered that night, were offered assistance and will be reached out to for additional supportive services.

The STEPS Board of Directors will meet on January 26, 2017. Public Comments are welcomed at this meeting. Please read the Public Comment Protocol as you prepare.

The Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity and STEPS, Inc. are offering a series of eight free learning opportunities to give individuals the tools they need to make their dreams a reality. The learning opportunities will be held at the STEPS Centre at 100 Industrial Park Road, Farmville, Virginia 23901 from 6p.m. to 8p.m.  Area professionals will be presenting on each topic. Registration is required by calling 434-315-5909 Extension 250 or by registering on-line at www.steps-inc.org (go to Building Blocks for Your Future to submit a PDF registration).  Refreshments will be served.
If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview contact Farmville Habitat for Humanity’s representative, Sam Rabon, at 434-394-3001 Extension 200 or Amy Beatson, STEPS’ representative, at 434-315-5909 Extension 211. If you need a PDF program that allows you to edit (fill in) the registration form, Adobe provides a free PDF program at https://get.adobe.com/reader/. Uncheck the optional offers.