United Way in need of 500 volunteers for point-in-time count

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - United Way is in need of volunteers for the 2020 point-in-time count.

The point-in-time count is normally every two years.

But starting January the plan is to conduct the count annually.

The count is the annual count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a given day. 

“This is the first time we're doing the count annually. We're doing that because our community is receiving new state funding and we want to see what the impact of that funding is in our local community,” said Emily Allen of United Way Home for Good.

Volunteers and experts will briefly document who is experiencing homelessness. 

But since the count is happening in January, volunteers are needed to canvas assigned routes throughout the county.

“The more people the bigger the impact we'll have and the more information we'll obtain. We need volunteers. Get your friends, family or coworkers out. We need everybody to come out to help our community,” said Ashley Laper of United Way Home for Good.

Organizers are looking for 400 to 500 volunteers to help administer the survey.

The annual count will also ensure good information for future planning.

“I think it's a great opportunity to help understand the needs in our county with those experiencing homelessness. It's also an opportunity for our volunteers to come together and have a positive impact in our community,” Allen said

This information can be used to plan local homeless assistance systems and raise public awareness. 

“Our hope is that we will know who's experiencing homelessness and what their needs are,” Allen said.

The point-in-time count will be held on Jan. 29, 2020 from 5:30 a.m. To 8:30 a.m.

If you would like to volunteer, you can sign up at: http://www.liveunitedsbc.org