Volunteers needed to assist in mandatory homeless count

Volunteers are needed to assist city officials in the mandatory annual count of homeless individuals in Menifee.

Officials realize it is difficult to get an exact accounting of homeless people in Menifee during a one-time check of the city, scheduled for Jan. 23 between 5:30-9:30 a.m. Such a count is required of cities, however, so city and county programs designed to help homeless people and end homelessness continue to receive federal funding.

More than 500 volunteers are needed county-wide. Menifee officials are asking for 50 volunteers to help canvass the community that day to contact and survey homeless individuals in the area. Volunteers must attend a training session and follow strict safety guidelines, and all volunteers go out in groups accompanied by a police officer or city code enforcement officer.

"The officers know where to go and what to ask," said Menifee City Council member Lesa Sobek, a member of the County Regional Homeless Alliance. "It's very organized. We have a goodie bag we give them with a snack, socks, gift card to McDonald's, things like that. We don't take their name; we get their initials, their age, how long they have been homeless. If they're a veteran, we can get immediate housing for them."

Sobek said two years ago, her group found a homeless vet who asked for help. They made a call to county officials and within an hour, someone came to pick him up and provide assistance.

Homeless individuals are given written information about how to receive help and support.

To volunteer, visit www.RiversideHomelessCounts.com or www.justserve.org