The nationwide Point In Time Count for those without shelter continued into Friday evening for Schuylkill County.

Tamaqua area's Salvation Army held an open house where volunteers served broccoli cheddar soup and chicken salad sandwiches to anyone who came to the building looking for a hot dinner.Allied Services' Program Manager Shanna Cook, along with Tina Soley of the Schuylkill Community Action Team, set up rows of tables and chairs to organize resource guides and information for the those who came into to be counted.Along with the four who attended the open house, a street team, father Jesse Durning and son Francis Latham, reported seven people found on the streets."There's an estimated six on Pine Street," Salvation Army Pastor Major Sharon Whispell said.The goal was to find out where the unsheltered spent Wednesday night during the count. Statistical data, age, race, and gender information was collected to provide a better picture of the homeless population."There's not a lot available (resources) in the county right now. We are hoping with our data we can show there is a problem and get some funding and forward movement," said Cook."I was contacted by Jerry Achenback, with Service Access and Management, and I was more than open to host the count. We have facilities and there isn't much in Tamaqua," said Whispell regarding the open house, which ran from 4:30 to 6 p.m.According to Whispell the cause for most of Schuylkill's homelessness is a result of loss, either job or vehicle, or in one couple's case, the loss of their home to a fire."Last year we had four people come in. But some are too embarrassed and others just weren't aware," Whispell said."We hung flyers around town this year," Soley said."We have very resourceful people in this area. We have a few people who stay in a tent by West Penn during the summer when it's not as dire," said Cook.Over the summer a family had been living in their vehicle after the father lost his job, said Whispell."We gave them food and a couple of nights in a hotel. They were very grateful for that. If we can connect them with someone who can help, then it's a step in the right direction."A lot of them scrounge and find tents or makeshift sleeping bags," said Whispell.Ten-year Salvation Army volunteer Lorrain Durning dished out hot soup to the open house visitors."I think it's great. I just wish we could do more. I thing we should go out and hand out food if we can't get them to come in. A lot don't want anyone to know who they are. They just need some clean clothes or food," she said."It's good to volunteer for this," said co-server Cheryl Albee. "It makes you realize how rich you really are. You go home and have blankets, TV and hot food."John Hindermyer recently became homeless and spends most days walking up to 20 miles at a time."I walk around town. I bundle up and keep moving to stay warm," he said.Hindermyer came in for a hot meal, a few extra clothing layers, and a place to stay for the night."At least I'll get a warm bed to sleep in.""One of the big problems is if people don't have an address, they can't get benefits from the state," said Durning.All information collected during the count will be issued to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with the final results to be announced Feb. 11th.Anyone wishing to volunteer or to get help can contact Keith Semerod at 570-621-2890 ext. 105. or Schuylkill Community Action at 570-622-1995.