Volunteers Needed for San Diego’s Homeless Census Count

by on December 12, 2013 · 0 comments

in Civil Rights, Economy, Homelessness, Ocean Beach, Organizing, San Diego

weallcount-300x167By Doug Porter

The Regional Task Force on the Homeless is seeking over one thousand volunteers to assist in counting homeless individuals in San Diego on January 24, 2014.

The Point In Time Count (PITC) is an annual census effort encompassing both sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals. Data about locations and demographics is collected, enabling agencies in the San Diego region to better understand the scope, impact and potential solutions to homelessness.

The PITC is also crucial in that it supplies information essential to applications for funding to address homeless issues. Based on San Diego’s 2013 census, approximately 8,900 individuals, families and unaccompanied children experience homelessness annually in San Diego County.

Communities across the country will be conducting similar events during the last ten days of January 2014. The PITC is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and sponsored by U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and County of San Diego.

The Regional Task Force on the Homeless is seeking volunteers for the following:

  • Jan. 24 from 4:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. – Enumerators to count unsheltered homeless persons in San Diego County
  • Jan. 24-27 availability times are flexible – Surveyors to conduct interviews with homeless individuals in San Diego County

All training will be provided by the Regional Task Force on the Homeless. Anyone interested in volunteering can register at CountSD.org, contact countsd@rtfhsd.org or call 858-292-7627 ext. 14.

“Eliminating homelessness in our community requires a complex understanding of our homeless population and factors that led to them being where they are,” said Dolores Diaz, Regional Task Force on the Homeless Executive Director. “We are committed to accurately counting the homeless in our region, which requires the help of many generous local volunteers.”

Editor: Meanwhile, homelessness and hunger are on the rise in U.S. cities, say nation’s mayors.

{ 0 comments… add one now }

Leave a Comment

Older Article:

Newer Article: