On 12/12/12, approximately 350 volunteers will fan out across every neighborhood in Boston to conduct a count of the city's homeless population.  The census helps put a number to the unmet need for housing, emergency shelter beds, treatment resources, and other services.

This year Boston will be one of nine cities to pilot Youth Count!, a new initiative of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness to develop promising strategies for counting unaccompanied homeless youth, up to 24-years-old. This population has historically been difficult to quantify. The youth count will take place over several days following the general street count so that youth staying in shelters or receiving services are counted.

The city’s 2011 Homeless Census found a total of 6,647 homeless individuals living in Boston, a decrease of 2.4 percent from the 2010 count.


Mayor Menino's Greeting to Volunteers for 2012 Homeless Census

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, co-chairs of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, today joined more than 750 mayors across the United States to call for President Obama’s leadership on common sense reform to the nation’s gun laws. Listen to this message from Mayor Menino, then read the letter: http://bit.ly/MAIGWH

Mayor Menino Calls for Swift Action on National Gun Reform

Public health officials in Boston will reach nearly 45,000 residents, including 27,000 seniors, through the city's automated call alert system today, urging residents who have not been vaccinated for the flu to contact their doctors or visit a free clinic this weekend. 

Script:

Hi. This is Dr. Anita Barry calling from the Boston Public Health Commission. Yesterday, Mayor Menino declared a public health emergency because of the high number of influenza cases in the City of Boston. 

Residents who have not already been vaccinated against influenza this year are urged to get vaccinated by calling their doctor, or visiting a nearby community health center during a free vaccination clinic. 

The elderly, young children, and people with other health problems can get very sick with influenza, so it’s particularly important for these groups to be vaccinated. You can also help to avoid getting sick by washing your hands thoroughly, not touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

If you develop illness with a fever, be sure to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and please, stay at home. Contact your doctor for additional guidance, especially if you are in one of the high risk groups. 

To find your nearest free flu vaccination clinic, please call the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050, or visit bphc.org/flu. 

Thank you, and please take care. 


Flu Emergency Call

Boston Public Schools Superintendent placed the following call to BPS families tonight to welcome them back to school following April 2013 vacation. 

"Hello, this is Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. I am calling today to welcome you back to school tomorrow. We know this last week has been difficult and full of many emotions for students as well as adults. Also, many teachers, partners and students ran the marathon on behalf of their school, and we would like to congratulate them. We hope your family is safe and well and that you are looking forward to returning to a normal schedule tomorrow, just as we are. Our school leaders and counseling teams are ready to help students who may have trouble processing what happened last week - and we have posted resources for parents on our website, at www.bostonpublicschools.org. Some of our schools may hold a moment of silence tomorrow to commemorate the one-week anniversary of the Boston Marathon events and also to thank the many first responders and everyday heroes who helped us all get through. We are all proud of the Boston Police and the so many others who worked to keep us safe. We look forward to seeing you back in school tomorrow, and thank you for choosing the Boston Public Schools."

Boston Public School April Call

Mayor Menino has issued a Heat Advisory due to dangerously elevated temperatures. This call was delivered to residents today. Sign up for Alert Boston: http://www.cityofboston.gov/oem/alertboston.asp

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