Census of the homeless and their needs happening now

The “Point-in-Time Count” for Del Norte County is scheduled for Tuesday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 810 H St. in Crescent City.

The Department of Health and Human Services, in addition to volunteers and other community members, is coordinating anonymous surveys of the county’s sheltered and unsheltered homeless population.

By collecting basic information, agencies said they’re able to identify and understand the county’s homeless needs, as well as the strengths and gaps in the existing homeless assistance system.

The “Point-in-Time Count” is an annual, nationwide event held usually each January.

A small meal will be provided to survey participants, along with a “share table” of free clothing items and other essentials, on a first-come, first-served basis.

County officials are seeking donations, throughout the day of the count, of non-perishable and non-monetary items for the share table. They said last year’s participants received gently-used clothing such as socks, camping gear, backpacks, blankets, dry pet food and tarps. Any donations are accepted at the Veterans Hall.

For more information, call 707-464-3191 ext. 2611 or ext. 2621.