Point in Time counts people experiencing homelessness in Biddeford

BIDDEFORD — The Point in Time is a count of homeless people on a single night in January in communities around the country. This year in Biddeford, it was conducted on Thursday at Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center.

Volunteers at the neighborhood center at 35 South St. interviewed those who had experienced homelessness the night of Jan. 25. The information compiled that day in Biddeford, as well as from similar events around the country, will be used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine funding for homeless services. The information is also used by local service providers.

Shirley Bowen, director of Seeds of Hope, said the Point in Time count is a way for the federal government to get critical data from communities so it can understand the scope of the matter – how many people are experiencing homelessness and the circumstances behind it. She said the survey asked some pointed questions, which participants have been very willing to answer.

“It’s not just raw numbers. It’s also capturing people’s stories,” said Bowen.

Bowen said the survey isn’t a perfect system, as it is only conducted one day out of the year and in only selected communities, but the information it provides is valuable.

Abigail Smallwood, the city’s Community Development Coordinator, said the data collected is important because it helps the city and organizations like Seeds of Hope get a better understanding of what the needs are so they can work together to address them in a compassionate way.

 

Volunteer Leah Schaffer and Cheryl Figliolini, a social work intern with the Kennebunk Police Department, interview people at the Point in Time count at Seeds of Hope on Thursday. SBN STAFF/Liz Gotthelf

Seeds of Hope is a drop-in center, providing free lunch and breakfast, a place to socialize, homeless advocacy and other services. Bowen said about fifty to seventy people a day come to the center.

While the center is not a shelter, it was able to work with the city to become a warming center and stay open on cold nights.

“We were not able to close our doors knowing that there were people out there in 10 degree and below weather,” she said.

The neighborhood center was able to get funding for zero gravity folding chairs, so that people could relax comfortably if staying overnight. Bowen said on cold nights when the warming center is operating, about nine to 13 people will stay overnight.

Bowen said she has seen a general shift in attitude toward people who are homeless, with more people showing empathy.

“It’s not a personal character flaw to be homeless,” she said.

There have been many generous community members who have donated items such as clothes, cold weather sleeping bags, food and other items. Bowen said she is grateful for the volunteers, donations, and help from the city and other organizations that have helped Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center continue its mission since 2008.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at [email protected].