Everett, Malden, Medford volunteers participate in statewide Point-in-Time Count to help address homelessness

Mass. Initiative necessary to secure funding, resources to assist those who are unhoused

By Steve Freker

The goals were simple: Leave no stone unturned while making sure no one in the tri-community region whom is unhoused, goes uncounted.

Dozens of Everett, Malden and Medford residents and other volunteers joined forces and fanned out across these three communities Wednesday evening to participate in a critical, statewide initiative to assist in addressing homelessness.

The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count, a statewide initiative, led by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), gathers essential data to secure funding and improve resources for the homeless — or “unhoused”— in local communities.

Volunteers on Wednesday night this week were tasked to help locate and engage with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, many of whom sometimes face the harshest winter conditions. The PIT count began at 6 p.m. in each of the three participant communities, with volunteers meeting at centralized locations for pre-count, in-person training.
“None of our cities would be able to provide these services on our own.” said Mayor Gary Christenson of Malden, “Only together can we respond with the care, compassion, and capacity that these most vulnerable residents need. I’m grateful to the mayors and managers of our partner cities for their continued commitment to this vital work.”

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria said his community was pleased to take part in the PIT count.

“The City of Everett is proud to join other local communities in this key initiative to gather the information needed to assist those experiencing homelessness,” said Mayor DeMaria.

“Our unhoused residents endure the harshest conditions, so securing more funding to help our most vulnerable is vital. I am grateful for the work of the many volunteers that will do the essential work that moves this process forward,” Mayor DeMaria said.
Medford Mayor Brianna Lungo-Koehn concurred.  “Getting a better understanding of the needs of those in Medford experiencing homelessness through this initiative will enable us to more directly engage with all community members and deliver resources to assist with their living conditions,” Mayor Lungo-Koehn said.

“Giving agency to those who are unhoused and ensuring a connection with professionals who can help is a crucial step toward ending homelessness. I thank all those who volunteer to undertake this important work and thank the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for spearheading the project.”