This year’s Point in Time count of the unsheltered homeless inTaneyCountysaw volunteers locate 7 people living outdoors.  Michelle Harllee of Church Army Branson says that’s about half the number counted a year ago.  She says while the rain that day may have had some finding temporary shelter, she hopes some of those counted last year are no longer homeless.  Harllee says for those who live outdoors, the resources available in the area can make a difference…

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Harllee says “unsheltered homeless” defines a person living in something not meant for habitation, such as a tent or shed.  She says homeless camps off the Highway 76 strip, or Business 65, are inhabited mainly by men living alone, and while some were happy to talk with the volunteers, others are fearful when approached.  Harllee says each was given a backpack filled with supplies, courtesy of Our Lady Cares, an outreach of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Branson.  Data from the Point in Time count is forwarded to the Missouri Housing Development Commission, to help gauge the need for housing and services for the homeless in Taney County.

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Volunteers conducting this year’s Point in Time count of the unsheltered homeless found 7 individuals living outdoors in Taney County.  Michelle Harllee of Church Army Branson says that’s about half the number counted at the same time last year, but notes that the rain that day may have sent some in search of temporary shelter.  Harllee says groups of volunteers survey those living in homeless camps in wooded areas, and the response varies…

Michelle Harllee 2012A207   

Harllee says the unsheltered homeless can be found in wooded areas just off the Highway 76 strip, or near Business 65.  They’re mostly men living by themselves, in camps consisting of a tent or shed, some equipped for bathing and cooking.  Survey data gathered during the Point in Time count goes to the Missouri Housing Development Commission as a way to help determine the need for housing and services for the homeless of Taney County.