Volunteers needed for county’s annual homeless count

An individual in a safety vest speaks with a homeless person seated on a bench. — A volunteer speaks with a person experiencing homelessness.

The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a collaboration between the San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services and the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership, provides a snapshot of the county’s homeless population, which helps officials track progress toward reducing homelessness and ensures resources are being directed to the communities with the greatest need.

Last year’s PIT Count reported that 3,821 individuals were experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness in San Bernardino County. The data played a significant role in guiding the county’s homeless outreach efforts and funding priorities.

This year, the county made a significant investment in addressing homelessness by beginning construction on the expansion of the Pacific Village housing campus, which will include 58 permanent supportive housing units, 32 recuperative care beds and 32 substance abuse treatment beds. The county also acquired two motels that upon conversion will provide 50 permanent supportive housing units for encampment residents and 130 beds of interim housing for homeless patients who are transitioning out of medical care.

“The county’s investment in affordable housing and expanding shelter capacity is making a difference, but our work is far from over,” said Homeless Services Chief Marcus Dillard. “PIT Count volunteers play a vital role in collecting information the county needs to secure funding and continue investing in affordable housing and expanding shelter capacity. We highly encourage community members and organizations to participate in the count.”

During the PIT Count, volunteers will canvass cities, towns and unincorporated communities to count, survey and assist individuals whose primary nighttime residence is in a vehicle, park, abandoned building, transit center, riverbed or other unsheltered location. The information collected from the survey will be shared with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“Volunteers are essential to the success of the PIT Count,” said Dillard. “Your participation helps the county capture a snapshot of homelessness and address the needs of the unhoused community.”

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have an Android or iOS smartphone to conduct the survey using a web-based app. Participants will be organized into groups and assigned to specific areas of the county. Walking will be involved, and personal transportation is required. Training will be available in person and virtually to ensure everyone is prepared.

To register as a volunteer, please visit the volunteer registration page. For any questions related to the PITC, please call 909-501-0610 or email OHS@hss.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – December 18