When homelessness is mentioned, often an urban scene is brought to mind, but homelessness has several definitions and Clarion County indeed has homelessness.
“We try to raise awareness of rural homelessness. It looks completely different here than it does in the cities,” said Jennifer Krouse of Clarion County Adult Services.
The number of people in need is unknown at this time. A survey, called a point in time count, is conducted in January but because of the COVID pandemic that has not been done for the past two years.
The task force helps people who are not homeless.
“We see people who are doubled with friends or families or people who might be facing eviction,” Krouse explained. “We also see couch surfers. These are people who will stay with a friend and sleep on their sofa for a few days. The needs of the people vary from victims of domestic violence to families with children.”
Krouse said the task force sees more than 100 clients on average every year.
“We channel people to the right agencies. We can get people hooked up with the right agency for their situation,” Krouse said.
“One of the things we try to do is help someone with getting or keeping employment,” Krouse said. “Sometimes they are low-income and something happens and they need help getting back on their feet. Every situation is different.
“We can also help people obtain documents when they are applying for housing assistance. If someone is just starting a job we can help them get work shoes or other things.”
Krouse said there is a lot of money available through the American Rescue Act for rental assistance.
Concerned friends or family can make a referral to the task force.
“People can make a referral for another person,” Krouse said. “There is no wrong way to get help. If someone is need of help the easiest way is to call 2-1-1, which a one stop shop for human services.”
The task force has been existence since the 1990s under several names and is Clarion County’s local housing option team. Every county in the region has a similar team of people. It is composed of human service workers, members of the community and members of the religious community. It is open to anyone who has an interest in housing.
One of the main fundraisers for the task force is a soup luncheon set for this year from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 1 at the Main Street Center in Clarion.