THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 31, 2025 Page 3 Everett, Malden, Medford volunteers participate in statewide Point-in-Time Count to help address homelessness Mass. Initiative necessary to secure funding, resources to assist those who are unhoused By Steve Freker T he goals were simple: Leave no stone unturned while making sure no one in the tri-community region whom is unhoused, goes uncounted. Dozens of Everett, Malden and Medford residents and other volunteers joined forces and fanned out across these three communities Wednesday evening to participate in a critical, statewide initiative to assist in addressing homelessness. The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count, a statewide initiative, led by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), gathers essential data to secure Dozens of volunteers from Everett, Malden and Medford converged and fanned out in three communities on Wednesday evening this week to participate in the annual Point-in-Time Count to help address homelessness. funding and improve resources for the homeless — or "unhoused"— in local communities. Volunteers on Wednesday night this week were tasked to help locate and engage with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, many of whom sometimes face the harshest winter conditions. The PIT count began at 6 p.m. in each of the three participant communities, with volunteers meeting at centralized locations for precount, in-person training. “None of our cities would be able to provide these services on our own.” said Mayor Gary Christenson of Malden, “Only together can we respond with the care, compassion, and capacity that these most vulnerable residents need. I’m grateful to the mayors and managers of our partner cities for their continued commitment to this vital work.” Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria said his community was pleased Sen. Lewis announces February Office Hours in Malden S tate Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Office Hours in Malden on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Malden Senior Center (7 Washington St.). Any Malden resident is welcome to attend Office Hours, with no appointment necessary, to meet with the Senator and discuss any constituent issues or legislative feedback. Senator Lewis will also be holding Office Hours on the same day in Melrose from 12-1 p.m. at the Milano Senior Center (201 W. Foster St.) and in Wakefield from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Wakefield Senior Center (30 Converse St.). Another option for residents who would like to meet with Senator Lewis is to attend virtual Office Hours, which will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 2-3 p.m. on Zoom. For further information or any For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net questions, visit SenatorJasonLewis.com or contact his office at 617-722-1206 or Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov. to take part in the PIT count. “The City of Everett is proud to join other local communities in this key initiative to gather the information needed to assist those experiencing homelessness,” said Mayor DeMaria. “Our unhoused residents endure the harshest conditions, so securing more funding to help our most vulnerable is vital. I am grateful for the work of the many volunteers that will do the essential work that moves this process forward," Mayor DeMaria said. Medford Mayor Brianna Lungo-Koehn concurred.“Getting a better understanding of the needs of those in Medford experiencing homelessness through this initiative will enable us to more directly engage with all community members and deliver resources to assist with their living conditions,” Mayor Lungo-Koehn said. “Giving agency to those who are unhoused and ensuring a connection with professionals who can help is a crucial step toward ending homelessness. I thank all those who volunteer to undertake this important work and thank the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for spearheading the project.” RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM
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