Volunteers Needed to Count Homeless in Redwood City

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA – San Mateo County officials are seeking hundreds of volunteers to hep with the upcoming One Day Homeless Count required by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development. It will take place on Jan. 26, 2017.

During the count, which happens once every two years, volunteers will survey areas and tally the number of homeless people they observe on the streets, in vehicles or in makeshift shelters such as tarps and tents.

"The results from the count will provide us with a better understanding of the number of homeless individuals and families and their needs," the county says. "Collecting strong data on the number, characteristics, and service needs of homeless people in our community is a critical component of local planning and program development to meet the County’s goal to end homelessness by 2020."

Volunteers are needed from the Coastside to the Bay, and everyone who signs up will receive a two-hour training session prior to the count.

>>You can head to this website to register online.<<

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HERE ARE SOME COMMON QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS ABOUT THE COUNT, AS PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO:

What is the Point-In-Time Homeless Count?

The Point-In-Time Homeless Count is a one-night street and shelter count to determine the number of people experiencing homelessness in San Mateo County during a given point-in-time. The count includes a brief survey to identify some characteristics of people experiencing homelessness in the community. San Mateo County Human Services Agency coordinates the county count every two years.

When will the 2017 Point-In-Time Homeless Count take place?

The street count will occur on Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. The shelter count will be conducted through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and will reflect the number of people sheltered the night of January 26, 2017.

Why a Point-In-Time Homeless Count?

• Better understand homelessness: The Point-In-Time Homeless count is an effort to learn more about the individuals and families experiencing homelessness in San Mateo County. In order to accomplish community goals and make a difference in the lives of homeless men, women, and families, we first need to know who they are, where they are, and better understand the factors that led to their homelessness.
• Drive Engagement: The Point-In-Time Homeless count will bring together community leaders, volunteers and persons experiencing homelessness on one night with a common goal of better understanding the extent of homelessness in our community. This unique opportunity will increase awareness of homelessness and create a venue to drive further discussion and engagement toward ending homelessness.
• Required to receive funding: The U.S Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires all communities to conduct, at least biennially, a point in time count of homeless persons within the geographic area.

Who will be counted?

The Point-In-Time Homeless count aims to quantify the number of individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness on the night of the count. This includes homeless veterans, families, youth, and single adults sleeping on the streets and in emergency and transitional shelters. The count does NOT include persons who are housed in doubled-up living situations or persons who are about to become homeless.

Who coordinates the Point-In-Time Homeless Count?
The count is coordinated by the San Mateo County Human Services Agency in collaboration with community and County partners. Data are reported to HUD on an annual basis to track and measure progress on goals toward ending homelessness.

Questions, please email: homelesscensus@smcgov.org

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