The Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County is seeking volunteers to help during the 2020 Point-In-Time Unsheltered Homeless Count, which will take place on Jan. 29.
The annual count, which happens in a single night, is required by the federal government and entails volunteers canvassing the streets in small groups attempting to count every unsheltered homeless person they encounter, according to a statement released by the nonprofit Housing Forward, an Alliance member.
“The results of the Homeless Count are reported to the federal government in order to secure funds for homelessness programs and create a baseline for continued efforts to end homelessness in the area,” Housing Forward explains. “The Homeless Count also helps raise awareness about homelessness and barriers to housing in our communities.”
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Volunteers under 18 are required to have an adult chaperone.
For more info or to volunteer, visit: http://www.suburbancook.org/homelesscount or contact Katie Spoden, advocacy and development coordinator, at 708-240-9533 or at katie@suburbancook.org.
Volunteers will begin the night’s count on Jan. 29 at Housing Forward’s headquarters, 1851 S. 9th Ave. in Maywood, where they will have dinner and be trained at 7 p.m., before leaving in assigned teams to conduct the count between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. All teams include a team leader experienced in working with people experiencing homelessness, Housing Forward officials said.
Michael Romain
