When the Chester County Department of Community Development joined the nation in conducting its point-in-time counts on Jan. 28 and Jan. 29, 615 local people – including 42 children ages 5 and younger –  were found to be homeless.

While some of these people were in emergency shelters, 15 people were on the streets in West Chester, Exton, Kennett Square, Phoenixville and Devon. Three of the homeless were more than 70 years old, and 298 were veterans.

The count, conducted by local volunteers, is one piece of the proactive strategy of Decade to Doorways – the county’s plan to prevent and end homelessness.

Those concerned about the homeless are invited to a public meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, in the Kay Conference Room at the Brandywine Center, 744 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville.

Details about the Point-in-Time Count will be shared and community action is welcome.

Michael Hackman, Decade to Doorways administrator, says Chester County’s homeless coordinated assessment system known as ConnectPoints has helped decrease the number of homeless individuals from those counted one year ago.

Read the 2015 Point-in-Time Report here and learn how to help local homeless people through Decade to Doorways here.

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Top photo credit: Red Blanket via photopin (license)