Homeless Count

1. Homeless Count Developed by Sharing the San Diego Story project Presented by the Regional Task Force on the Homeless

2. Original Partners in the Count • Point Loma Nazarene University, • Regional Task Force on the Homeless, Inc. • Institute for Public Health – San Diego State University • Many Member agencies of the Regional Continuum of Care Council • Law Enforcement – Homeless Outreach Teams • Individuals and Volunteers from Churches, other Civic groups • Funded by a grant by Alliance Helathcare Foundation

3. To provide current and accurate information on the homeless throughout San Diego County.. Provide agencies with homeless data to be used in federal and state grant applications Provide an updated profile of the homeless in San Diego An annual count is required to receive federal funds usually $8-15 million. Assist in local and regional planning Ensure services that benefit homeless people in San Diego County Why ?

4. HOMELESS COUNT 2008

5. Your Job as a Counter • Basic Instructions • There may be an area team Leader • Establish teams of two persons • One member of team wears ‘the T shirt’, visibly • Teams go to locations identified on the map provided • Use guidelines to locate apparently homeless persons • Mark Tally sheet for each person or enclosure (tent, leanto, cardboard box) • Mark ON THE MAP, locations homeless were observed • Note unusual conditions; other teams in area; etc. • Initial Tally sheet • Enter Tally information ON-LINE • Return sheets to RTFH or Agency

6. Maps/Tally Forms • Maps are available on-line • www.rtfhsd.org/pit.html • Choose an area that you would like to count in • Navigate through the pages to desired area • Click on the map of the area you want • A Tally Form will download to your computer • Currently in Word 2003 format • Print the tally form ON ONE PAGE • COMPLETE the online survey of maps taken

7. ON-LINE Tally Form • Link will be provided with password • http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=66z7MS7RdkDwT5FFO2qQww_3d_3d • Follow instructions on Survey • If no homeless persons were counted, enter ZERO ( 0 ), do not leave blank • Enter any comments, unusual situations, notes to me, etc… • One survey must be completed for each map taken

8. Your Job as a Decoy • Basic Instructions • Individuals or teams of two • Dress casually • Teams go to locations identified in general area • Watch for someone in ‘the T shirt’ to come by • Stay Alert. If no one comes, mark a tally sheet as not counted • If you become distracted, and no one comes, mark sheet as not observed • Return sheets to RTFH or Agency

9. Your Job in Mini-Survey • Assigned service location • Teams of two persons • Administer mini-survey at designated location • Contact every fourth apparently homeless adult • Document results and return sheets

10. If I see a tent or box should I look inside to be sure someone is in it? NO. If someone asks what I am doing, what should I say? Say that you are helping to see how many people need housing or shelter . Give contact information, See training sheet. What if the person reacts negatively to my presence? Stay calm and be polite – which means letting the person have space, leave the area. Make a note on the tally sheet that you had to leave the area. What if ?