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The homeless population of the Panhandle may be bigger than you think. It’s something volunteers are looking to prove as they perform an annual survey for the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development. (HUD)
“Nobody realizes how many people in Panama City really live on the street and they do,” said Rev. Lois Lopez. She participates in homeless outreach at least twice a week with area volunteers.
“We come out here to give them clothes, blankets, food,” she said. This Thursday, her group was joined by the Homeless and Hunger Coalition of Northwest Florida.
President of the coalition Laurie Combs was heading up a group of about 15 volunteers surveying the homeless to gain numbers and information for grant-writing and other services.
“Money goes to where the need is and so if we don’t have the need we don’t deserve the money,” she said, “but if we do need it we need to show and document that it’s here.”
Last year, the coalition found 300 people without a place to sleep. They suspect the number is actually higher, but often times the homeless can be hard to find.
“We haven’t done a real good job of canvassing the whole county in the past and we’re trying to improve our techniques,” said Combs, “We feel like the people are here, we’ve just got to find them to count them.”
Surveys aren’t just numbers. They take information on who’s homeless and which services they need the most.
“Three children and of course a loving wife,” said Glen Smith, “We’re just trying to make it through to where things improve. We’re just trying to survive. Housing largely and maybe even a bigger job market would benefit us greatly.”
“My main thing is transportation,” said James Swinehart, “I’ve walked 20 miles in the last 3 days, my feet are getting blisters and it’d be nice to have some transportation.”
The coalition survey throughout the night and returns results to HUD and other organizations. The full results will be available to the public.
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It is sad that in America where the stars and government’s focus is on helping so many other countries can’t find it in their hearts to help those who are right here at home. I’m not saying that it is wrong to help in times of trouble, but it is a poor man who does not take care of his own house. Americans should not be sleeping on the streets when we boast about living in the greatest country in the world. Sad indeed.