Survey to get homeless off the streets

AUSTIN (KXAN) - How can homelessness be prevented in Austin? That's the question volunteers are trying to answer as part of a citywide survey.

The firm called Seeds for Change is working with Mobile Loaves and Fishes to survey the homeless throughout Austin, asking what types of needs the homeless have and what they feel is the best way to stay off the streets.

The group wants to be able to show that the way the public perceives the homeless is not actually who they are, and many said they don't want to be living on the streets.

Findings from the survey will be presented to city officials in the fall and then at a symposium at St. Edward's University.

"In March of 2010, we'll actually have a full day conference with people on how to make a difference," said Stacy Ehrlich with Seeds for Change Consulting.

Volunteers will be conducting these surveys for the next few weeks.