Volunteers needed to count homeless population

In January, communities across the country will begin their annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count and Survey, and 500 volunteers are needed in Riverside County.

The survey helps determine the region’s need for homeless services and guides decisions about how to use resources, county officials said.

According to the release, the Department of Public Social Services will partner with the Riverside County Continuum of Care to conduct the one-day survey on Jan. 26. The count is mandated by the U.S. department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Riverside County’s count will be divided into two areas: a street-based survey from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and service-based survey from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The 2015 PIT identified 1,587 unsheltered and 883 sheltered homeless people in Riverside County. Unsheltered homeless people include those living in places unfit for human habitation, such as on the street or in a park.

There was a total of 533 volunteers deployed across Riverside County last year. Organizers said volunteer recruitment is encouraged among neighborhood and non-profit organizations, college students, faith-based institutions, community service clubs, and social service providers. Important data will be collected on the general homeless population and subpopulations of homeless veterans, families, youth and chronically homeless individuals.

Organizations and individuals may register online to participate.