WS Chronicle

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Homeless Council is looking for volunteers to help conduct its Homeless Point-in-Time Count.

A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requirement for agencies that receive HUD Continuum of Care funding, the count estimates the number of homeless people, both sheltered and unsheltered, in the county on one particular night. Though not exact, the count is the best gauge to measure the severity of a community’s homeless problem. City and towns around the nation will conduct such counts on Jan. 30.

Volunteers are needed for the street count, which measures the number of unsheltered homeless individuals. Groups of five volunteers will conduct the street count in various parts of the county in two shifts – from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. and from 12 – 4 a.m. Volunteers will be looking behind buildings, under bridges and overpasses and in abandoned trailers for unsheltered homeless people. They will also offer blankets and a bag of toiletries and other essentials to those they encounter. Volunteers must be at least 18-years-old.

HUD Continuum of Care funding provides shelter, housing and key services to homeless individuals and families. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Homeless Council, whose mission is to end homelessness, has taken part in the count each year since 1996.

To volunteer, contact Teri Hairston at teri.hairston@uwforsyth.org or 336-721-9378.