Press Release
January 19, 2023

Volunteers Needed for Utah’s Annual Statewide Homeless Count

Jan. 19, 2023 (SALT LAKE CITY) The statewide annual count of people experiencing homelessness will be held Jan. 26 - 28, 2023. 

Local communities across Utah need the help of volunteers to survey people early in the mornings on Jan. 26, 27 and 28 to find out where they slept on the night of Jan. 25, providing an in-depth look at homelessness in Utah. 

“Our goal is to get the most accurate count possible with the help of volunteers across the state,” said Tricia Davis, assistant director of the Office of Homeless Services. “With the help of volunteers, we are able to measure the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Utah.”& amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; lt; /p>  

The purpose of the Point-in-Time Count is to gain a deeper understanding of how many individuals and families in Utah are experiencing unsheltered homelessness, which includes living on the streets, in cars, RVs, or other places not meant for human habitation. 

The goal is to count and interview every person experiencing homelessness in Utah. The information gathered will help policymakers set benchmarks to measure progress toward ending homelessness, and help plan services and programs to appropriately address local needs. 

Volunteers are needed in all areas of the state to work in teams to seek out and interview those who are unsheltered. Virtual training will be held in advance related to the survey questions, how to record responses, and how to approach and interview persons experiencing homelessness. 

On the mornings of Thursday, Friday and Saturday, volunteer teams will thoroughly explore an assigned geographic area to connect with those experiencing homelessness. If possible, volunteers are strongly encouraged to participate for all three days.

Learn more about the Point-in-Time Count in your area and sign up to volunteer at: endutahhomelessness.org/point-in-time-count/. Each area of Utah may conduct counts differently, so please reach out to the contact person listed where you’d like to volunteer. 

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About Utah Office of Homeless Services: The Utah Office of Homeless Services strives to work together with communities to make homelessness in Utah rare, brief and non-recurring by providing statewide support of project services, interventions and system performance measures and reporting.