Early results in the annual Point in Time homeless count show an increase in the number of homeless people in Snohomish County.
This year’s total — still incomplete — was 2,202, up from last year’s final count of about 2,154, which included an estimated 625 homeless individuals who were under the age of 18.
Numbers for 2009 initially can be divided into two categories, according to a statement from the county executive’s office. Those staying in shelters and transitional housing the night of the count totaled 1,217. Another 985 homeless were surveyed on the street without a place to stay.
The difference between 2008 and 2009 numbers likely is the result of increasing economic issues facing individuals and families living in the Puget Sound and across the nation, the statement said.
Last year’s count also was conducted during a smaller time period and in colder weather than this year.
During the Jan. 29 count, more than 200 people spent the day and early evening gathering data on Snohomish County’s homeless population, the statement said.
Based on last year’s numbers and the work of Reardon’s Housing &Homelessness Policy Oversight Committee, the County Council is considering legislation that would increase support for nonprofits purchasing affordable housing for low-income residents through the county’s loan guarantee program.
Like softball and feeling, umm, softer than before?
Then the city of Edmonds’ senior softball league could be the place for you. The league needs males over the age of 55 or females over the age of 45 who are excited to play some softball. Current players are ages 55 up to 85 years old.
The league runs from May through July, and games are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 or 11:30 a.m. at the Meadowdale Playfields in Lynnwood.
For more information, call Todd at 425-771-0229.
The Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships in the visual arts.
Each year, the foundation provides post-secondary education visual arts scholarships to outstanding students, ages 17 or older, who currently have a permanent address within the Edmonds School District boundaries. The students do not have to be Edmonds School District students.
The applicant must be pursuing full time post-secondary education in the visual arts at an accredited art school, college or university in the next academic school year, and must have graduated from high school by August 2009. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award, conditional upon acceptance of the student to an accredited art school, college, or university.
The scholarship committee, using established evaluation criteria, will select students based on a review of applications, individual interviews and portfolio presentations.
Applications and information is available in the art departments and counselor offices of the district high schools, online at www.eaffoundation.org or by e-mail, at EAFFScholars@comcast.net.
The deadline for scholarship applications is March 31.
Have something neat? Show us at edmonds@heraldnet.com.
Updated mid-week online at www.enterprisenewspapers.com/EdmondsZone
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
