As the winter months approach, one Southern group is looking to get a handle on the homeless problem in the region. Members and volunteers of the Homeless Coalition canvassed streets and visited foot pantries in 40 locations across Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties Tuesday. It comes as part of the annual Point-In-Time Count, which is a federal initiative to establish the total number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night. Last year’s Point-In-Time count found 308 people were living on the streets or in local emergency shelters. That number is said to be even higher this year.Coalition members blamed the rise on a lack of affordable living spaces and an abundance of student housing. This week’s numbers will be submitted for a federal assessment to identify scope and need for more funding.
