On behalf of the Auburn/Cayuga County Homeless Task Force, we wish to thank the dedicated community volunteers and local not-for-profit agencies for their support of the Point-in-Time Homeless Count on Tuesday, January 30, 2007. In addition, the following organizations provided valuable assistance to Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency, Inc., who organized the count: Wegmans, Cayuga County Sheriff#,s Department, and Auburn Police Department. Thank you also to The Citizen for excellent coverage of the count.

The preliminary data report indicates that 98 people were counted that day, 55 who were classified as homeless, and 43 who were precariously housed, or at-risk of homelessness. This count supports the already-established need for homeless services in this community.

To further illustrate the importance of completing this count, please note that the point-in-time counts completed in June 2004, January 2005 and June 2006 helped establish the need for homeless services, as outlined in the Continuum of Care applications submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban.

These applications resulted in funding awards in the amount of approximately $915,000 for local agencies to establish programs specifically to meet the needs of homeless individuals and families. These programs are available through Options for Independence, Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency and Auburn Housing Authority.

The Auburn/Cayuga County Homeless Task Force will continue to work diligently to address homelessness. The energy and commitment demonstrated by the community during the point-in-time count was valuable to our efforts, and the count will provide important information as we seek other resources. Thanks again to our partners.

Jennifer L. Haines

Auburn

Haines is Auburn's planning and economic development program manager