The Homeless Prevention Council is pleased to announce that it will conduct the 2018 Massachusetts Youth Count Survey for the Cape and Islands. According to a press release, this annual statewide initiative will be held Monday, April 23, through Sunday, May 13.
Results from the survey drive the development of the Massachusetts State Plan to End Youth Homelessness, and can help to address critical issues such as emergency shelter needs for youth. The data collected from the survey helps to support policy reform, new program design, and current service delivery. Wide distribution of the Youth Count Survey on Cape Cod and the Islands is crucial in supporting our region’s collective ability to help our most vulnerable youth.
The Homeless Prevention Council (HPC) is partnering with volunteers from the Community Leadership Initiative of Lower Cape Cod (CLI), Hyannis Youth and Community Center, Cape Cod Community College, and other organizations to distribute surveys across our region. All Cape and Islands agencies and organizations who serve youth and families are being asked to participate in these efforts.
In 2017, 74 surveys were completed in 13 out of the 23 Cape and Islands cities and towns. HPC is aiming to get a broader group of respondents this year by utilizing partnerships with other organizations and coordinating a broader outreach effort. Community input is critical to get an accurate count, so anyone working with young people facing housing instability, or who can share this survey with others it may impact, is encouraged to do so. The survey can be completed online in less than five minutes.
The Youth Count will go live on April 23 at tinyurl.com/mayouthcountsurvey. The survey will also be boosted to the targeted community via Facebook and Instagram.
