Volunteers Still Needed

The countywide Homeless Point-in-Time Count is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23. The semi-annual Point-In-Time Count is the annual count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a given day. The Count could not be done without the help of the community. Teams of volunteers will canvas assigned routes throughout the county and briefly document who is experiencing homelessness. This information is used to plan local homeless assistance systems, justify funding, and raise public awareness. Volunteers will be trained to help count on the survey day. To volunteer, please sign up at https://countyofsb.pointintime.info/.

“With everything that has happened over the past two years, the Point-in-Time Count is more important than ever,” said Jett Black-Maertz, Housing Program Specialist, Sr. with the County of Santa Barbara Community Services Department. “It is important that we have an accurate count; we can’t do that without the help of volunteers.”

COVID-19 Safety Measures for the 2022 Count

• Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in teams with people they already interact with (households, colleagues, friends).
• Individuals not part of a group will be matched in teams based on the comfort level indicated at sign up and must provide proof of vaccination.
• To avoid a large gathering, groups will be deployed as they arrive at their assigned logistics center.
• Appropriate face coverings and hand sanitizer are required (volunteers are encouraged to bring their own, but supplies will be provided) to keep teams and those being surveyed safe.