WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Volunteers conducting the most extensive survey of Rhode Island’s homeless population to date say they encountered nearly 700 people homeless advocates did not know much about.
Providence College professor Eric Hirsch says nearly 850 people took the survey but less than 150 of them were already in the system. Hirsch oversaw the count at the three largest shelters.
Hirsch says homeless advocates now have records for most of the state’s vulnerable population and can prioritize these individuals for housing and services. He says they’ve accomplished what they set out to do.
The survey was conducted over three nights in mid-November. Rhode Island is participating in a nationwide campaign to end veteran and chronic homelessness in two years.
The national nonprofit Community Solutions developed the survey and organized the campaign.
