ARTICLE
There are seven days remaining in the 2018 Massachusetts Youth Count. This annual statewide initiative will be held through Sunday, May 13th. 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 & 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 & 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 & 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, are encouraged to do so. The survey can be completed online in less than 5 minutes. The Youth Count survey is live at https://tinyurl.com/mayouthcountsurvey and is available via Facebook and Instagram.