Homeless people count set for Sunday

AUSTIN (KXAN) - More than 100 volunteers are needed to assist with the annual count of the number of homeless people in Austin and throughout Travis County.

The count is set for Sunday, Jan. 23, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

City of Austin officials said the count is import in order to get maximum federal funds for Travis County's service providers who help the homeless.

Men, woman and children who are on the streets, under highway bridges and in camps will be counted.

All volunteers will be trained and work together in teams.

Austin City Council member Laura Morrison , who participated in the count last year, said, “Donating just one evening of your time to the homeless count will help collect critical information that will be used by local organizations to help our homeless leave the streets for a better life. Volunteers and the media will be trained and will work in teams to survey streets, parks, campsites, bridges, underpasses and other public spaces.”

The count is conducted by Community Homeless Coalition , a group of non-profit agencies and local governments working to end homelessness in the Austin/Travis County area.

For information about volunteering, call 512-782-8733 or visit the website .