By George P. Hassett

Homelessness in Somerville is up six percent from last year, according to an annual city survey. However, the increase reflects expanded city services for people without shelter, not necessarily an increase of people on the streets, according to city officials.

The 2008 Homeless Census took place in the early morning hours of Jan. 31. Seven teams of volunteers from Somerville and Cambridge conducted their ninth annual census along with local homeless provider organizations, counting unsheltered people in the area. Led by street outreach workers from CASPAR’s First Step program, the teams followed a series of prescribed routes and also conducted a survey of all sheltered, previously-homeless persons residing in the city.

The combined total for the 2008 census was 263 in Somerville, an increase of six percent over the 2007 census. Of the 263 people, 84 were in permanent supported housing programs, 85 in transitional living programs, 92 in emergency shelters, and two on the street. Also included in the total were 33 families.

Dana LeWinter, co-chair of the Somerville Homeless Providers Group, said the six percent increase is a reflection of the city’s increased capacity to provide shelter for homeless persons.

‚ÄúMore people are able to find shelter in one of our programs, and fewer people have to spend the night on the street.  We‚Äôre also seeing increased numbers of previously homeless persons moving into permanent supported housing, where they receive the services and stability they need for success,‚Äù she said.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone said he planned to expand city programs for homelessness.

‚ÄúWith the rollout of our first-ever Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness, we reaffirmed our commitment to addressing and preventing chronic homelessness, and this Census is only one of the important ways we continue to research and monitor the state of this issue in our own community,‚Äù he said. 

Despite some encouraging news, LeWinter said residents of many Somerville households are still at risk of becoming homeless, and one of the most common causes of homelessness is lack of sufficient funding for emergency situations. 

In order to assist tenants with this problem, several housing organizations, including the Somerville Homeless Coalition, Community Action Agency of Somerville, Greater Boston Legal Services, and the Somerville Community Corporation have teamed up to create the Save Our Homes Walk, now in its fifth year. 

Organized by the Affordable Housing Organizing Committee (AHOC), the walk raises money to help those at risk of homelessness secure housing by providing assistance with security deposits, back rent, or moving costs.  Last year, the walk raised over $28,000 that was used to assist 46 families and individuals remain housed and avoid homelessness.

“With an average grant of $500, we were able to help people stay in their homes last year, while it costs $37,000 to keep one family in shelter for a year,” said Danny LeBlanc, CEO of the Somerville Community Corporation. “It’s tragic for the family, and very expensive for all of us, if folks become homeless when a few hundred dollars can help keep them safely in their homes.”

The Save Our Homes Walk will take place on Sunday, April 27, following a 3-mile route through the city past affordable housing landmarks, and will start and end at Somerville High School.