County Executive Officer Mike Callagy speaks with an unhoused Redwood City resident, Jerry, during the San Mateo County One Day Homeless Count on Jan. 25, 2024.
San Mateo County is looking for volunteers to help with next year’s Point in Time count, which is a census of sorts of all the people in the county who are homeless.
The county’s Human Services Agency will work in partnership with local community organizations to carry out the 2026 One Day Homeless Count on Jan. 29. The annual count is required by federal law and data collected gives county leaders a good snapshot of how many individuals and families are experiencing homelessness. The numbers can be compared to previous years to see how the issue is fluctuating and helps determine where funds can best be spent.
“Community volunteers are essential to the success of this effort,” Claire Cunningham, director of the Human Services Agency, said in a statement released by the county. “Each volunteer helps ensure we have an accurate picture of homelessness in our county so we can better direct resources where they are needed most.”
Volunteers begin the day at 5 a.m., but are provided with breakfast and coffee. The count ends around 10 a.m. and participants use a mobile app for the count. A free training is required.
The county is looking for people from all sorts of backgrounds and who may be familiar with certain neighborhoods. A passion for supporting efforts to end homelessness is a plus too, the county said. Accommodations are available for volunteers with limited mobility, transportation or technology issues.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.