2023 DeKalb CoC Homeless Count

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED   

On the night of Thursday, January 26, 2023, please join other community volunteers in conducting a street count of homeless persons in DeKalb County. Help us to understand the scope of homelessness in our community.

We must gather accurate data on our homeless population to track the success of local efforts to end homelessness. By complying with the federal requirement to conduct a biennial homeless census, our community can receive over $6 million annually in federal funding for homeless services and housing.

YOU COUNT so THEY COUNT!

• To sign up, click on the register button
• Choose either Enumeration Team (Count Only from Car) or Special Coverage Team (County and Conduct Survey Interview)
• Then select the number of people volunteering
• To complete registration, provide the required information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Who is counted?

Unsheltered Homeless: people who are sleeping in outdoor locations such as sidewalks, parks, encampments, and under bridges.

Sheltered Homeless: people who are staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs.

What is the unsheltered count methodology?

Enumeration teams drive around a pre-determined designated area of DeKalb County looking for homeless persons. If homeless people are observed from the car, an enumeration team member records basic demographic information into a mobile app.

Special coverage teams drive to a specific known hot spot location. Police escorts are provided because these teams get out of their vehicles to walk the area. The hot spot teams count and survey homeless persons if the location is deemed safe.

How do I get assigned to an enumeration team?

This year the enumeration teams will be comprised of 2 people per car. We are encouraging people to create a team and sign up together. If you do not have a team member, please let us know.

What are the safety protocols for the homeless count?

The DeKalb CoC will not have deployment sites this year.

• There will be a count night headquarters only. At headquarters, people will be required to wear masks and social distance.
• Enumeration teams will deploy from agency or home after the Zoom Kick Off Meeting at 9 p.m.
• Hot spot teams will deploy from the headquarters location after the Kick Off Meeting at 9 p.m.

Enumeration teams will not get out of their cars this year to survey homeless persons.

• These teams will conduct observational counts only.
• HUD recommends enumeration teams be comprised of 2 people per car.

Training will occur virtually prior to the homeless count instead of in person on count night.

Other safety measures will be added as needed for the homeless count to be conducted safely.

When is the virtual training?

There are two trainings scheduled. The virtual trainings are scheduled for Thursday, January 19 at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, January 24 at 2 p.m. A Zoom link will be sent out once you are registered for the homeless count.

Is there a minimum age requirement to enter the event?

If under age 18, you need to be accompanied with a parent or guardian. If with a teacher, you need signed consent from parent or guardian. 

What if the weather is bad on count night?

Postponement only occurs in an extreme weather situation where people are unable to drive such as a snow or ice storm. In the past, counts have still taken place on rainy nights and during cold weather. A decision will be made by 10 a.m. on the morning of the count as to whether the homeless census is re-scheduled. You will be notified of the change in date via email and it will be posted on the DeKalb County website. Therefore, it is important for you to be committed to both count dates. The bad weather back up date is scheduled for Monday, January 30, 2023.

Who can I contact with any questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Josie Parker Batchelor at jpbatchelor@dekalbcountyga.gov