San Juan Capistrano 2022 Homeless Count Delayed

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Orange County and the Orange County Continuum of Care announced Friday that the organizations will postpone its 2022 Orange County Point-in-Time Homeless Count to next month, citing rising COVID-19 cases and the omicron variant surge in Orange County.

The event will be postponed to Feb. 22-24.

The county cited impacts from COVID-19 as its reason for delaying the count.

The Point In Time is a count of people experiencing homelessness on a given night that typically takes place during the last ten days of January, according to the county. The count offers vital information that helps the County of Orange better understand how to service and respond to homelessness in the county.

Volunteer opportunities will be available leading up to the event and at the event itself, the county said. Resident volunteers are encouraged to register and help shape homeless services in Orange County for the future, the county said.

Residents interested in volunteering must complete a self-guided training followed by a questionnaire, or participate in one of three live web-based pieces of training. Residents can register to volunteer through the county's website.

Additionally, volunteers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or display a negative COVID-19 PCR test at least 48 hours before volunteering.

If you are unable to donate your time to the count, the County of Orange said donations of food, water and gift cards are welcomed. Contributions will be distributed to event participants, as well as individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Items needed for the 2022 Point In Time Count include:

• Personal Protective Equipment supplies.
• 5,000 snack kits.
• Cases of water bottles.
• 200 $25 gift cards to grocery stores.
• 5,000 $5 gift cards to food establishments or grocery stores.