The homeless count is coming up and it always requires individual and agency volunteers to help out.
The 2020 FVRD Point in Time Count rolls out across the Fraser Valley region over 24 hours, and in Chilliwack it’s being organized by PCRS reps.
The homeless count spans from the evening of March 3 to the evening of March 4, with the help of trained volunteers who will walk around the neighbourhood conducting anonymous interviews.
Counters head out in pairs, in shifts two to five hours long, initiating one-on-one conversations with those living rough, couch-surfing, or staying at shelters.
They are asked to adopt an attitude of compassion and respect toward the folks who may be living sheltered or unsheltered in their communities.
The count happens every three years to determine the number of people who do not have adequate housing in the Fraser Valley.
READ MORE: Numbers tripled in 2017
It allows communities to track homelessness and raises public awareness about those experiencing it in their communities.
In Chilliwack, email Jodi Higgs at jhiggs@pcrs.ca to indicate interest and the commitment to volunteer, and attend the mandatory training session from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Council Chambers at City Hall on February 27.
Here are some numbers for those volunteers interested in helping out across the Fraser Valley:
Info in Abbotsford 604-302-6156
Jodi in Chilliwack 604-795-5994
Info in Harrison 604-796-2585
Roxanne in Hope 604-869-5111, #222
Info in Agassiz 604-796-2585
Kirsten in Mission 604-820-3752
READ MORE: Setting their sights on housing homeless youth
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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