BIDDEFORD — Showing genuine compassion for those struggling to overcome homelessness is a complex undertaking and one that involves empathy and a desire to relieve the issue in our communities.

This week, the annual Point in Time survey conducted a count of the homeless in Biddeford and Sanford and the data collected will assist local communities, the state and the federal government in creating programs to address the issue.

Surveys were taken at multiple locations in Sanford and at Stone Soup Pantry and the Biddecord Food Pantry in Biddeford on Wednesday and again on Thursday at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, In A Pinch and the Bon Appetit Community Meals Program in Biddeford.   

The Point in Time survey is an annual program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is administered in Maine by the Maine State Housing Authority. Counting the homeless is crucial for communities because the information is used by the federal government when making decisions about funding services for the homeless population.

“We’re trying to get people to come in and be counted,” said Linda Waters, Biddeford Community Development coordinator. “The more accurate the count, the better continuum of care we can offer to address the issue in our communty.” 

Waters said the Point in Time survey is part of the city of Biddeford’s five-year consolidated plan and one-year action plan.

“We now have three or four years of data and what we learn is included in our yearly action plan,” she said. 

Waters said that the Point in Time survey is used by Biddeford to track progress in overcoming homelessness, inform public opinion, increase public awareness, identify strengths and gaps in the city’s current homelessness assistance system and to help create resources that will lead to a solution for the problem.

Those classified as homeless are living on the streets or outdoors without permanent shelter or those with no place of usual residence who may be sleeping on a friend’s couch.

Rev. Shirley Bowen of Seeds of Hope said the neighborhood center encouraged residents to stop by and participate in the Point in Time survey.

“We work hard to get the word out,” Bowen said. “People don’t understand that we have people right now living outside in our community. These are our neighbors or someone they see in the grocery store.”

Bowen said many have no idea how hard it is to to provide basic sustenance when living in the woods or under a bridge.

“We need our community to understand that this is about basic human dignity,” she said. “We may not want to believe that there are people in the woods right now living outside. We want to provide immediate assistance when available and some hope, some compassion and some warmth. And we want to educate the public that these are our neighbors who are in need of help.”

Waters said she’s gained valuable insight from meeting and talking with homeless residents during the Point in Time surveys.  

“I’ve always understood that we live on a precipice all the time,” she said. “Anyone can become part of the homeless population. We’ve seen that through our count today.”

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@joiurnaltribune.com.