This annual process counts the number of people who are unsheltered in the county.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Yesterday, more than two dozen volunteers gathered to complete the point-in-time count in Sangamon County. This annual process counts the number of people who are unsheltered in the county. 

To complete this process, volunteers travel the county and fill out surveys with unhoused and unsheltered individuals they encounter. These surveys ask basic information as well as what resources individuals have used and may need in the future. 

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"It's really just basic information about them how long they've been experiencing homelessness, where they typically stay, and it gives us an idea overall of how many people are experiencing homelessness and how many housing opportunities we need," said Joh Sabo, Executive Director of Heartland Housed. "We also we use the unsheltered number to plan outreach and work to connect services to people where they are." 

Last year, volunteers determined that 306 people in the county were experiencing homelessness. This gives local organizations a starting point to make sure everyone gets the care that they need and that no one is forgotten.  

"The goal is basically to be confident that every person that is unsheltered in our community is known by name," said Sabo. 

The numbers still have to be checked by local shelters and confirmed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Then, organizers will release the numbers to the public and look for patterns in where issues are arising. 

Most counties complete point-in-time counts and use the numbers to determine what resources are needed. 

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