Middlesex County To Conduct Annual Homeless Survey on Wednesday

Elijah's Promise is collecting hats, gloves, scarves and winter coats in anticipation of the annual Point-in-Time survey that will gather information on the number of homeless people living in New Brunswick and Middlesex County.

The survey is done annually in each municipality in Middlesex County, as it is required by the federal government in order to apply for funding to house the homeless, according to a release from the county.

In 2011, the survey counted 946 homeless men, women and children in Middlesex County, but officials estimate the actual number of homeless in Middlesex County was closer to 3,300 people, the release said.

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., volunteers at the Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen at 18 Neilson St. will complete surveys of local homeless while distributing winter outerwear, hot coffee and snacks.

Project Homeless Connect will also be in action during the survey. This service provides social services, health care, housing, substance abuse and disability assistance and resources to homeless throughout the county, the release said.

Additional survey spots are being set up at the Salvation Army, 433 State St. in Perth Amboy and the Woodbridge Housing Authority, 20 Bunns Lane, Woodbridge, the release said.

Volunteers will also canvass outdoor locations where the homeless tend to congregate, the release said. 

All three locations seek donations of coats, gloves, scarves, blankets, socks, underwear and thermal wear to be distributed. Elijah's Promise has also asked for hygiene items, such as toothpaste.

A phone line has also been established for homeless people to call up and be counted. InfoLine of Central Jersey can be reached at 888-908-INFO (4636).

For more information about the Point-in-Time event, visit www.middlesexcountypit-phc.yolasite.com.

For more information on Elijah's Promise, visit www.elijahspromise.net.