City Of Irving: Volunteers Needed For 2022 Homeless Count

Press release from the City of Irving:

February 9, 2022

Each year, Irving counts and surveys its homeless population as part of a nationwide event. The count’s success relies on help from volunteers. 

The 2022 Point in Time (PIT) Homeless Count and Survey begins at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 24. The deadline to register is Feb. 18. Registration is completed online at CityofIrving.org/PITCount.

The survey will take place outdoors. Participants will be organized into teams and will be escorted by an Irving Police Department officer. All supplies are provided, except for a smartphone, which is used to fill out the survey. Volunteers must be willing to load the Counting Us survey app to their personal device. 

For a successful survey, volunteers should keep these tips in mind:

• Dress warmly and comfortably for the weather.
  • Closed-toed shoes are required.
  • Do not wear expensive jewelry, and do not carry a purse or bag.
• This is a noncarry event (except for public safety officers).
• Volunteers must remain with their escort officers and follow their instructions.
  • Never be out of sight of the escort officer.
  • Keep flashlights on for visibility and to be easily located.
• Keep a safe distance from the person surveyed.
  • Protect yourself from coughs and sneezes.
  • Use hand sanitizer after each encounter.
• Most of Irving's homeless population is very friendly. But if a volunteer doesn't feel comfortable approaching someone or the person doesn’t want to participate, complete an observation and move on.
• Do not allow the homeless person fill out the survey, and do not hand your mobile device to the homeless person.

After registering, volunteers will be notified of training session details. Volunteer training will be provided immediately prior to the Feb. 24 PIT Count.

Register online now at CityofIrving.org/PITCount

Each year, Irving counts and surveys its homeless population as part of a nationwide event. The count’s success relies on help from volunteers. 

The 2022 Point in Time (PIT) Homeless Count and Survey begins at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 24. The deadline to register is Feb. 18. Registration is completed online at CityofIrving.org/PITCount.

The survey will take place outdoors. Participants will be organized into teams and will be escorted by an Irving Police Department officer. All supplies are provided, except for a smartphone, which is used to fill out the survey. Volunteers must be willing to load the Counting Us survey app to their personal device. 

For a successful survey, volunteers should keep these tips in mind:

• Dress warmly and comfortably for the weather.
  • Closed-toed shoes are required.
  • Do not wear expensive jewelry, and do not carry a purse or bag.
• This is a noncarry event (except for public safety officers).
• Volunteers must remain with their escort officers and follow their instructions.
  • Never be out of sight of the escort officer.
  • Keep flashlights on for visibility and to be easily located.
• Keep a safe distance from the person surveyed.
  • Protect yourself from coughs and sneezes.
  • Use hand sanitizer after each encounter.
• Most of Irving's homeless population is very friendly. But if a volunteer doesn't feel comfortable approaching someone or the person doesn’t want to participate, complete an observation and move on.
• Do not allow the homeless person fill out the survey, and do not hand your mobile device to the homeless person.

After registering, volunteers will be notified of training session details. Volunteer training will be provided immediately prior to the Feb. 24 PIT Count.

Register online now at CityofIrving.org/PITCount

This press release was produced by the City of Irving. The views expressed here are the author’s own.