The Culver City Homelessness Committee is seeking volunteers for the Homelessness Count, Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 6:30.
Mayor Mehaul O’Leary said counting the homeless “is important for us to have an understanding of the number of people who need services in our community.
“My heart goes out to those who are living on our streets, especially during these cold, wet winter months.”
Ira Diamond is chair of the Homeless Committee.
“The Count is performed by volunteer teams,´he said. “The Committee will coordinate volunteers on the night of the Count. Those who come as a team of four, can go out with their own group. Businesses, volunteer clubs, faith-based groups, and families/friends are encouraged to form groups of four.”
Mr. Dianond said that individuals are welcome. “We will pair them up with others to form groups of four.”
The schedule:
- 6:30 — Arrive at the Senior Center, 4095 Overland Ave.
- 7:30 — Brief training for volunteers
- 8 to 9 — Volunteers are sent to their precinct for the Count
- 10 – (midnight – 2 a.m.) — Volunteers return
What is the Homelessness Count? Why does it matter?
The Count is an enumeration of the number of people experiencing homelessness in Culver City. All cities on the Westside will conduct the Count the same night to avoid duplication of individuals counted in neighboring cities. The numbers generated by the Count are statistically analyzed to estimate the number of homeless individuals in a broader area. Since it is not possible to locate every homeless person, each individual who is found counts as more than one person for purposes of statistical analysis. Based on the data collected, the County, the state and the federal government review the results to determine resource allocations to Culver City for housing and homelessness assistance programs.
Why is the Homeless Count critical?
It leads to the distribution of resources for those in need by determining the need of each locality. On the night of the Count, volunteers walk or drive through their assigned precinct and tally the homeless individuals they observe. Direct contact with persons observed is not made by Count volunteers (however, based upon Count data, homeless service professionals will be dispatched to assess the situation and offer information and resources). Further, all volunteers are trained in safety and tallying procedures prior to the Count.
Finally, although the schedule listed above anticipates volunteers concluding the Count sometime between midnight and 2 a.m., volunteers tend to return much earlier.
How do I sign up to help?
Go to www.theycountwillyou.org (Culver City is in SPA 5) or email culvercityhomelesscount@aol.com. Or contact Tevis Barnes, Housing Administrator, at 310.253.5782.
