The county is looking for more than 1,000 volunteers to help conduct its biannual count and survey of people experiencing homelessness across Orange County later this month – with both early morning and late night shifts available.
The point in time count is required every two years by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. It helps gather information on the number of people who are homeless, but also where they are gathering and more about who they are and their needs, such as how many are families, are juveniles, have a disability and such.
This year, the canvassing of people staying in emergency shelters, or other forms of temporary housing, will take place starting the night of Jan. 22. The count of those living on the streets will begin the morning of Jan. 23. The point in time count will end on Jan. 25.
Officials said multiple passes will be made through each region of the county to ensure the most accurate survey.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older and can apply for different roles such as field surveyors, volunteers who assist in the canvassing, or deployment center set-up/clean-up volunteers. Deployment centers will be spread out through central, north and south Orange County including in Fountain Valley, Anaheim and Lake Forest.
Those interested in volunteering can learn more and sign up at everyonecountsoc.org/volunteer.
The county is also accepting donations of items that will be distributed to those who participate in the survey. Items sought include snack kits, water bottle cases, rain ponchos, $25 gift cards to grocery stores and $5 gift cards to restaurants. Donations can be made through citynet.org/everyonecounts.
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