Agencies co-host virtual discussion, fundraiser and housewares drive for those experiencing homelessness

It’s hard to believe that in Bucks County where the median household income hovers around $90,000 a year that anyone has to spend a night in a homeless shelter.

But on a cold night in January, at least 427 people slept outside or in an emergency or temporary shelter in towns throughout the county. According to the 2022 Point-In-Time Survey which provides a one-day nationwide snapshot of homelessness, this year an additional 139 people were without a home of their own in Bucks County – a nearly 50 percent increase over last year.

County officials and advocates for the homeless point out the need for more affordable and attainable housing solutions.

In an effort to broaden awareness and inspire others to take action, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omega Zeta Omega Chapter and United Way of Bucks County will host “Barriers to Shelter: The State of Homelessness in Bucks County,” a virtual discussion and fundraiser at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7.

Contribute to a worthy cause while hearing perspectives from United Way of Bucks County; the County of Bucks; Bucks County Opportunity Council, and Family Services Association of Bucks County.

Omega Zeta Omega Chapter and United Way of Bucks also will collect housewares for the United Way of Bucks County HELP Center and the Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter. Drop off items at The Shops at Valley Square (courtyard outside of Ulta) in Warrington, from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 12.