Grace Blouin understands that one of the biggest problems with helping the homeless population in the United States is understanding the problem. By better understanding how many people are homeless, why and what their skill sets are along with other data points, so the government and charities can better allocate our resources to help.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development initiates a study every other year to try and count and get data from the people who are living on the streets. One of the main ways this is done is through volunteers who go to homeless people where they are. Of course, some people who are homeless refuse to participate but by and large the response rate is high.

Grace Blouin has taken part in this point in time homelessness count and understands its importance. Many of the volunteers, for the point in time survey, try to go beyond just counting those who are homeless. A number of communities and volunteers who participate, also help outreach people teams and programs. They have the opportunity to assist with health care and service providers. The homes population who is being contact will likely get the opportunity to get help with housing, food and other important services.

Grace Blouin knows that it is not just the Department of Housing and Urban Development that recognizes how important this study is. Federal employees from all over the country often assist in the study. People from the department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services take part in the survey because it gives the Veterans affairs department to meet, connect, and hopefully help homeless veterans. The department of Health and Human Services sees it as a great opportunity to help take care of the health of homeless people.

Grace Blouin really encourages you to help out with the next point in time survey. Spend an evening connecting and helping those who are less fortunate than you. You will meet your neighbors and obtain a better understanding of the troubles that the homeless face.

Grace Blouin is currently employed as a helpdesk technician for SDCR.