PORT JERVIS – They live in wooded areas, along railroad tracks, in parks, abandoned buildings, and other areas – cohabitating with nature and its elements. Carrying their life belongings with them, in backpacks, shopping carts, or bags, or in secluded pieces of their community, a number of Port Jervis’ residents live outdoors.
Port police and others know the areas where homeless individuals live for brief, sometimes extended, periods of time. Last week, officers drove a group of volunteers to these areas to help conduct America’s annual PIT (Point in Time) Count and offer helping hands.
HONOR (Helping Others Needing Our Resources) of Middletown conducted Orange County’s annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count in Port Jervis, Middletown and Newburgh.
The nationwide project mandates a count of homeless individuals, and outreach offers of help.
Michelle Herrera, coordinator of Orange County’s Continuum of Care, said the PIT Count involves various agencies and volunteers who routinely interact with the homeless in their communities. Many have established a rapport and trust.
Herrera said paperwork on each homeless individual will be processed and submitted in a report toto the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“We work with agencies and volunteers who are in touch with the homeless in a community, people who know where the homeless tend to congregate,” Herrera said. “Many of the police officers and others in the community, such as the Warming Station and Salvation Army, know the individuals by name and are in touch with and check on them regularly.”
HONOR also follows up on calls that come in throughout the year from the community. Other agencies, such as Vet2Vet, work specifically with veterans on issues and aspects, including homelessness.
“A good percentage of the homeless are veterans. They might be more receptive to getting help when it is offered by a fellow veteran,” Herrera said. “We are grateful for this help.”
In Port Jervis, two police units transported those conducting this year’s morning and afternoon count. Backpacks filled with toiletries, hats, socks, snacks, water, and other items, and information and conversation about getting help, were provided.
Police Chief William Worden said his department works closely with agencies that offer such help. He views homelessness as a complicated issue and uses community policing strategies to gain trust and provide help.
“Our officers know many of the individuals and work to connect them with services,” Worden said. “I truly believe the tireless efforts of Honor EHG, the Tri-State Interfaith Council, Warming Station, Vet2Vet, and others make a positive impact on the quality of life of individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.”
If you know someone in need, HONOR may be reached at 845-313-7115. The Tri-State Interfaith Council also operates an overnight Warming Station at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 31 West main Street, Port Jervis. This will be open through March.
