Editor,

On Thursday, Jan. 28 more than 100 volunteers, local businesses and agencies participated in the 2016 Homeless Point-in-Time Count.

Volunteers fanned out in four regions across Island County to connect and count people in North Whidbey, Central Whidbey, South Whidbey and Camano Island.

This one day annual count, which is done nationally, is only a snapshot of the broader reality of homelessness in Island County, but the data collected is extremely important as our community continues to address the complexities of homelessness and assess the outcomes of our programs and services.

The annual count of people experiencing homelessness is organized by Island County Department of Human Services and the Housing Provider Network — an organization of over 20 organizations in Island County.

There was also strong collaboration with local Fire and Rescue, law enforcement, and Island County Public Health.

We want to thank each and every one of you who contributed to the success of the 2016 Homeless Point -in-Time Count for Island County. It would not be possible without you.

We hope you will consider joining in this important project again in 2017.

For information or questions about the count, call Island County Point- in-Time Count Coordinator Joanne Pelant at 360-678-7962.

Jackie Henderson, Director

Island County Department of Human Services