ANOKA, Minn. – Next week, Anoka County will attempt to count the number of homeless people in the county, and they are looking for volunteers to help.
The count is required to receive funding for homeless programs, and follows state and federal definitions of homelessness. Volunteers will tally the number of men, women, and children living in shelters, on the street, and other places not meant for human habitation as well as people living in substandard housing or living with family or friends.
The count will take place on Thursday, January 24 at various locations throughout the county, including homeless shelters, city streets, and other known homeless encampments. The information they gather through the count will be used to build awareness, measure the progress made through the years, and determine the level of federal and state funding available for local efforts to fight homelessness.
Last year, more than 1,400 people were identified as homeless in the county. For more information about getting involved, contact Kristina Hayes at 763-323-5707 or by sending her an e-mail at Kristina.hayes@co.anoka.mn.us.
