The Health Department is seeking 250 community volunteers to help direct the 2022 Point in Time (PIT) Count, the City announced in early December.
The Point in Time Count is the health department’s street count of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach and is essential in determining the scope of homelessness, delineating existing resources and identifying gaps in service.
The count is slated to take place on Jan. 25, 2022.
“The Homeless Point in Time Count is an important tool in allowing the City to better serve people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a statement. “By volunteering, you become part of the solution.”
According to the City, Long Beach’s homeless population decreased by 29% from 2013 to 2020, according to past PIT Counts.
The community-wide effort gives residents and local businesses the opportunity to contribute and learn about people who are experiencing homelessness and gain an understanding of available resources to address homelessness in Long Beach, a statement from the City said.
To volunteer, people must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Attend a virtual orientation and training prior to the day of the count.
- Commit to a three-to four-hour canvassing shift on Tuesday, Jan. 25.
The one-hour required virtual orientation will take place on the following days:
- Wednesday, Jan. 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Those looking to volunteer can register online or contact HomelessServices@longbeach.gov to learn more. They may also call the Multi-Service Center at 562-570-4499.
A waitlist will be established if more than 250 volunteers sign up for the count.
Volunteers will need to report to the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.) at 4:30 a.m., 5:15 a.m. or 6 a.m. on the morning of the count, depending on the area of the city in which they will be counting. Field work will commence about half an hour after arrival.
A section of the city will be assigned to groups of three to five volunteers and they will conduct a survey on any individual experiencing homelessness they count.
All volunteers will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the count in order to reduce the spread of the virus.
Face masks will be required for the duration of the count regardless of vaccination status, the City noted.
The City encouraged community members to help raise awareness and recruit volunteers to participate in the PIT Count by sharing on social media and providing physical and or monetary donations.
People can donate online through the Mayor’s Fund to End Homelessness and type “Homeless Count-Mayor’s Fund” in the additional comments box. Donations can also be made by check and sent to the Long Beach Community Foundation at 400 Oceangate, Suite 800. (Make check payable to “Long Beach Community Foundation” and write “Homeless Count-Mayor’s Fund” in the memo section.)
Donations will be used toward gift cards and other incentives for individuals being surveyed the day of the count.
Travel-sized hygiene products and socks can also be donated to be distributed during the count. Physical donations can be dropped off at the Long Beach Multi-Service Center, located at 1301 W 12th St., between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
