Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Riverside County Homeless Population Survey

Riverside County, California - A Point-in-Time Count of homeless adults and youth will begin Wednesday January 22^nd and will include volunteers who will search for and interview unsheltered individuals. During the count process, Riverside County’s Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS) works closely with cities to integrate volunteers into teams comprised of social workers and street outreach teams, ensuring each region is equipped to support a successful count. Prior to participation, volunteers will receive essential training to equip them with the knowledge to support those they encounter effectively.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires local governments to conduct annual counts of their homeless populations. Federal officials use the information to determine funding levels, assess regional needs, and monitor local progress in reducing homelessness.  The Count is one tool used to measure the impact of homelessness in a single-point-in-time. The County utilizes its Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to measure the full extent of homelessness which identified 18,333 individuals who received homeless services over a 12-month period.

“By helping us count homeless individuals throughout the county, we can have a better idea of the type of services they need in the short and long term,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “The Point-in-Time Count also serves as a guide to better distribute federal funds and access resources.”

Similar to previous counts in Riverside County, a “More Than a Count Initiative” will link veterans, seniors, and youth to housing and supportive services. Additionally, all persons will receive a backpack filled with self-care products and information on where and how to receive additional supportive services. HWS serves as the Lead Agency for the Riverside County Continuum of Care (CoC), a network of more than 200 representatives from community, faith-based, and government organizations that actively coordinate planning efforts and solutions to end homelessness including the Count.

If you are interested in joining the effort, please register to volunteer at

https://rivcohws.org/homeless-point-time-pit-count

If you have any questions regarding this year’s Point-In-Time Count or joining the Riverside CoC, please contact: [email protected]