Contra Costa Seeks Volunteers for Homeless Count

Contra Costa Health Services has issued a call for volunteers to help with the county's bi-annual homeless count.

"This is a massive effort requiring hundreds of caring volunteers who are willing to donate 3-4 hours of their time, but the rewards are many," says a flyer for the effort.

The county's funding for homeless programs is determined every two years in part by a point-in-time count of unsheltered homeless living the county. The count also provides a baseline for historical data and gives service providers a better understanding for shaping more effective responses, according to Health Services.

The count takes place on Jan. 30.

"A four-hour investment of your time next month could mean a LIFETIME of difference to a homeless family living on the streets in cold and rainy weather!" the flyer says.

"Volunteers are needed from East, West and Central County, and must be at least 18 years old," according to an announcement from Health Services. "Volunteers are required to attend a one-hour training session
one week before the count."

On the day of the count, volunteers "will meet at 6 a.m. for a 30-minute
orientation before fanning out across the county in cars to tally homeless persons," the announcement says.

Those who wish to volunteer can email homelessprogram@hsd.cccounty.us, fill out an online form at http://cchealth.org/services/homeless/ or call 925-313-6124.

Volunteers can sign up also by filling out and submitting the Volunteer Information Form found on the second page of the attached pdf file, which also includes the flyer for the program.