Volunteers Sought For Pierce County Homelessness Survey

TACOMA, WA — Pierce County is hoping to find more volunteers to help out with the annual homelessness survey.

Every year, volunteers across the county are recruited for a "homeless point-in-time count", a tally that helps give lawmakers a rough idea of how many people are sleeping in their cars, in shelters and on the street in Pierce County. Once completed, that data will be used by the Pierce County Council as it continues its efforts to end on-street homelessness.

But before that, they need volunteers to actually get out there and conduct the survey by interviewing homeless individuals and families. The survey will take place Jan. 27 and 28. Volunteers just have to be 80 years old or older, own a smart phone, and be able to commit to a virtual training session.

If you're interested, you can register to volunteer online.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's survey will not include unsheltered residents. The same happened last year, which likely resulted in an undercount. The county says it hopes to bring back more robust surveys the following year.