Help Determine Ossining's Homeless Footprint

The Ossining Emergency Shelter Project launched for the 2016-2017 winter season on Sunday, Dec. 11, and is expected to run through Feb. 20^th. People needing shelter should meet in front of the Ossining Open Door Family Medical Center, on Main Street by 9 p.m nightly. They will be either walked to, or driven to, the shelter. The shelter program has had estimated 8 individuals since its opening.

In order for our community to better help and serve those who are homeless, we need to do a better job at understanding what the numbers are and where individuals camp out and sleep throughout the Village and Town of Ossining. Just because we may not see homeless individuals does not mean they do not exist. Many haven't experienced seeing homeless individuals throughout the village and town, while many see them nightly finding warm places to hide and camp out (such as but not limited to building lobbies, dark public places, ditches, behind buildings or against buildings). What is crucial to understand and embrace is that having any person homeless, whether it is 1 or 10 or 25 is of great public concern and responsibility to address the wellbeing and safety of all.

I encourage all that if you SEE IT, REPORT IT, POST IT (#OssiningHomeless) and join the movement to help those in need in our community. Let’s start the conversation on what Poverty & Homelessness mean and look like in Ossining. Let's remember that many of our own neighbors and friends in Ossining are one paycheck away from being homeless. Ossining is know to stand up, unite and empower each other. Please use your best judgment and not approach or question anyone you may see who may be homeless. Be Safe. If you see something wrong or suspicious -report it to the Police.

PHOTO CREDIT- http://housingforall.org/issues/homelessness/