Regional Task Force on the Homeless Conducts Annual WeAllCount Homeless Census in San Diego

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the early morning hours of January 25, 2013, approximately 700 volunteers will participate in WeAllCount, an annual “Point-In-Time-Count” (PITC) census process conducted to identify the number of homeless individuals (sheltered and unsheltered, their locations, and detailed demographic information). This event, led by the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, enables the entire San Diego region to better understand the scope, impact and potential solutions to homelessness. It also enables the community to qualify for funding that is critical to addressing the issue. Communities across the country will be conducting similar events during the last ten days of January.

“The task of can seem daunting. However, it is possible. We need to know ‘Who are our homeless? How many people are we talking about? Where are they? What are the factors that led to their homelessness? And what barriers to being housed are they currently facing?’”

The Regional Task Force on the Homeless is seeking volunteers for the following:

• January 25 (5am - 8am) – Enumerators to count unsheltered homeless persons

• January 25-27 (flexible times) – Surveyors to conduct interviews with homeless individuals

• Data Entry during the month of February

All training will be provided by Regional Task Force on the Homeless. Anyone interested in volunteering can register at CountSD.org or call Cindy Williams at 858-292-7627.

“Addressing, alleviating and preventing homelessness requires a clear understanding of our homeless population and their circumstances,” said Dolores Diaz, executive director of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless.

Diaz adds, “The task of can seem daunting. However, it is possible. We need to know ‘Who are our homeless? How many people are we talking about? Where are they? What are the factors that led to their homelessness? And what barriers to being housed are they currently facing?’”

Answers to these questions provide the basis for developing sustainable solutions, as approximately 10,000 individuals, families, and unaccompanied children experience homelessness annually in San Diego County.

Known in San Diego as WeAllCount, the PITC is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is conducted throughout the country in late January. This data is vital when identifying strategies and services that can enable people to leave the street.

About the Regional Task Force on the Homeless

• The Regional Task Force on the Homeless (RTFH) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

• We support, empower, and collaborate with San Diego County’s homeless service providers on a myriad of issues. Working together, our purpose is to help prevent, alleviate, and work towards ending homelessness.

• We are the data center and technical resource for information on homelessness throughout San Diego County. We administer the region's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), used by service providers who manage hundreds of distinct programs. Data gathered enables us to provide analysis of demographics, trends, and more. Services include training, help desk, and critical data reports to service providers, cities, the County, elected officials, HUD, US Congress.