Officials in Pasadena and Long Beach put out the call Friday for volunteers for the cities’ annual point-in-time counts of residents experiencing homelessness.
Registration is now open for the 2027 Pasadena Homeless Count, scheduled for the evening of Jan. 20 and the morning of Jan. 21.
The city and Pasadena Partnership to End Homelessness organize the count, which relies on community volunteers to tally and survey people experiencing homelessness throughout the city, officials said. Volunteers also distribute cold-weather supplies.
Teams of four to five people receive assignments to cover designated areas. Pasadena count organizers said participants are required to work both shifts from 8-10 p.m. Jan. 20 and 6-8 a.m. Jan. 21.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must attend an online orientation set for the evening of Jan. 13. Registration closes Jan. 5.
Registration is at bit.ly/PasadenaHomelessCount.
For more information, email HomelessCount@CityOfPasadena.net.
Long Beach
Long Beach needs 350 volunteers for the city’s 2027 Point in Time Count on Jan. 27, officials said.
The count, organized by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, helps officials assess the scope of homelessness, identify gaps in available resources and guide local housing and service planning, according to the city.
Volunteers will canvass assigned areas, count people experiencing homelessness and, when appropriate, conduct surveys with those willing to participate, Long Beach officials said. Teams also will distribute gift cards, hygiene kits and water.
Long Beach, Pasadena and Glendale each independently operate a Continuum of Care, which is a federally funded network that coordinates housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. The Long Beach Homeless Services Bureau oversees the city’s count.
Registration is open until all 350 volunteer positions are filled, officials said. Additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
Like in Pasadena, Long Beach volunteers must be at least 18 years old, complete a required orientation and training session and commit to a four-hour shift on Jan. 27.
Participants will check in between 5 and 5:30 a.m. at The Grand Long Beach, 4101 E. Willow St., and are expected to be dispatched by 6 a.m.
Volunteers will work in teams of three to five people assigned to cover specific areas of the city. Most teams will canvass on foot, although some may be assigned to vehicles in areas with fewer residents.
All street count volunteers, including those who have participated in previous years, must attend one of three orientation sessions, officials said. Training covers engagement with people experiencing homelessness, use of the count’s mobile application and event logistics.
The training sessions are:
- Online via Zoom Jan. 12 from 6-7:30 p.m.
- In person Jan. 14 from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Housing Authority building, 1500 Hughes Way, Suite C-300. Officials said space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Online via Zoom Jan. 19 from 6-7:30 p.m.
The city also will conduct a count of people living in shelters from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 26. Staff and volunteers will collect information and survey residents at local interim housing facilities.
Volunteers for the shelter count can indicate their interest during registration for the Point in Time Count. Officials said Shelter count volunteers will not be required to participate in the Jan. 27 street count but must attend a separate virtual training session Jan. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m.
The street count may be postponed or canceled because of inclement weather or other conditions affecting participant safety, according to the city.
Long Beach residents who cannot volunteer for the count can help connect people experiencing homelessness with available services. The city has published a resource guide to help residents determine who to contact in different situations.
Residents also can donate essential items at collection bins located at all Long Beach Public Library branches during regular business hours.
Additional donation locations include the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach, 3635 Long Beach Blvd., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Scherer Park Community Center, 4654 Pasadena Ave., Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.
For more information or to register, visit longbeach.gov/homelesscount, email HomelessCount@longbeach.gov or call the Multi-Service Center at 562-570-4500.
