Volunteer

Volunteers, who are 18+, will be asked to walk through a specific area of the city, identify individuals who may be experiencing homelessness for the street count/enumeration.

As such volunteers should be able to: 

• Comfortably walk outdoors for a distance of multiple city blocks (exact distance will vary based on assigned areas) 

• Carry a backpack with supplies and engagement gifts for participants  

• Stand for long periods of time 

• Feel comfortable conversing with many individuals in a short period of time 

• Have a mobile device with access to a data network (noting that volunteers will be eligible for compensation for costs of mobile data used for the PiT count)  

Not required, but would be an asset: 

• Previous de-escalation training 

• Previous Trauma informed care training 

• First Aid training 

Volunteering enables us to collect the vital data needed to have the best information available for collective efforts to prevent and end homelessness. With the training provided, volunteers also enable us ensure the people we encounter during the count are afforded a friendly and supportive interaction while they provide their personal information.

While we don’t anticipate volunteers being in unsafe situations, we recognize the need to maintain strict safety protocols to ensure all volunteers have an enjoyable experience.

Below are procedures we have in place to ensure your safety.

Base Sites

We have designated base sites for all the walking routes to ensure every volunteer has a safe, warm, and secure place from which to start and end their shifts and drop in for breaks as needed throughout their time completing the PiT Count. To ensure your safety:

• You are required to check in at the base site at the beginning of your shift and check out upon completion.
• If you must leave your shift early, please ensure you check out at the base site, or else we will consider you missing and escalate the issue.
• There is a base site coordinator at each base site. Please take the Base Site Coordinator’s number with you so you can call in case of any issue.
• During your shift, the Base Site coordinator may periodically check on your team. Feel free to share with them if things are not going well or if you need any support.
• If you are feeling too cold, please come back to your base sites to warm up and have a snack.

Working in Teams

Working in teams is a vital component of the count. Volunteers will be assigned in teams of minimally two people, and multiple teams will be assigned to neighborhoods so that the PiT Count is a visible effort in the community.

Volunteers conducting street counts or shelter surveys must remain within sight of their team at all times and should never be alone.

Visibility

A reflective vest will be provided to ensure high visibility to drivers and easy identification by those you approach. It must be worn at all times during your shift.

Personal Safety while Conducting a Count

Your personal safety during your shift is the priority. If at any point during a count you do not feel safe, you are not required to finish the count. End the count and leave safely.

Emergency Situations – CALL 911

If you or your partner are in a life-threatening situation, or you encounter a medical emergency or criminal activity, CALL 911. After calling 911, call or text to notify your base site coordinator.

Non-Emergency Situations

For any other situations you encounter, if you feel the need to debrief, or if you are not feeling safe, call your base site coordinator. Please feel free to go back to the base site to debrief or if you need a safe space.

The event runs in all weather. Please dress for the weather and your personal comfort.