Carbon County volunteers traveled to various communities to conduct the annual homeless Point-In-Time count.

The count aims to get a snapshot on how many unsheltered individuals are within a certain area.

Cathy Lamm, executive director of Family Promise of Carbon County and chair of the Carbon County Homeless Task Force, said that the data is used by the federal government when determining funding for services that are needed.

She said that Family Promise has seen the need grow, with a total of 32 people currently being supported through the organization — 20 of those being children — with over 100 on a waiting list for when space opens up.

Family Promise, located in Nesquehoning currently serves families, as well as single women facing homelessness; however, Lamm said that they are in the process of expanding with a resource center to point people in the direction to find help before they become homeless.

“It’s very rewarding when you see a family, who comes to us at their lowest point, thrive and get their own place and back on their feet,” she said.

Lamm added that a group of volunteers was going around the four communities of Panther Valley yesterday night to see if there were any unsheltered people sleeping in cars or other locations to be counted as part of the count; as well as to distribute snacks, blankets and other supplies.

In Lehighton, the count was overseen by the Carbon County Action Committee and the Lehighton Cold Weather Station.

Esther Meier, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at SS. Peter and Paul Church, said that the count is only completed on one night, however surveys were also being conducted to help with providing reasons on why they are homeless.

Last year, the count, which is a project of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, found more than 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness across the country on the single night of the count.