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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

AZ 2010 Homeless Count: A Sad but Significant Tally

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010   

PHOENIX - Some 400 volunteers will be out on the streets tonight, attempting to count the number of homeless people in central Arizona. Last year's one-night count by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) found a 20 percent increase in the homeless population, and MAG human services planner Brande Mead says a further increase is expected this year, because of the state's continuing bad economy.

"We are seeing about 30 percent of people in shelters for the first time, meaning they've never experienced homelessness before. The main reasons for their homelessness are loss of a job and just not having income."

Last year's tally counted just under 3,000 homeless Arizonans around metro Phoenix, in addition to those in shelters.

Mead says the homeless count can sometimes take an emotional toll on the volunteers. Last year, one family was found living in a wash alongside a baby's crib.

"That's one of the hardest things to do during the count, is to come across families and youth like that, that are sleeping in places that really are not meant for human habitation."

Neil Donovan, executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, says the one-night count is a valuable resource, but it won't reflect a growing category of homeless people, those staying with relatives or friends temporarily, because of foreclosures and job losses.

"Right now, the indicators are much more episodic; the homeless people are going to be homeless for a month, and then they're not homeless; homeless for a month, not homeless. So, to take a snapshot on one day is not going to count the true impact of what's happening."

The annual homeless counts have been criticized for being unscientific and even political, but Donovan says they give social service groups an opportunity to find out more about the populations they serve.

The count is used by the federal government to develop housing policies and allocate money for service providers to the homeless.


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