Every year our community comes together to count how many people are experiencing homelessness throughout Riverside County. Point-in-Time Count is vital in making sure that we are heading in the right direction to reducing homelessness, it’s much More Than A Count. 

What is a Homeless Point-in-Time Count?
The Point-in-Time Count is a “snapshot” of the number of homeless people living in Riverside County on
a specific day.

When is the 2023 Point-in-Time Count?
▪ General Count: Wednesday, January 25th from 5:30am to 9:30am

▪ Youth Count: Wednesday, January 25th – Friday, January 27th from 2:00pm to 8:00pm

Why is the Point-in-Time Count important?
Collecting data on homelessness and tracking progress helps to inform public opinion, increase public
awareness, and attract resources that will lead to ending homelessness.

How accurate is the Point-in-Time Count?
Riverside County uses mobile technology to complete the unsheltered Homeless Point-in-Time Count.
Volunteers download a mobile application and the Riverside County Survey onto their smart device and
use it to interview unsheltered individuals. Mobile technology is an innovative solution to address the
issue of accurately counting homeless individuals and using the data collected to conduct an analysis of
the patterns and trends of the homeless population in Riverside County.

How is the Point-in-Time Count conducted?
Volunteers are placed into counting teams of 3-5 individuals. The counting teams are assisted by law
enforcement to ensure safety during the count. Through a coordinated effort, teams deploy from various
sites to interview unhoused individuals following a map of a specific area to canvass. Every team is
instructed to only count in their assigned area to avoid interviewing a person more than once.

Is there special training required for volunteers?
Yes, all volunteers are required to participate in a training. Training sessions review the purpose of the
homeless count, how to perform the count and how to download and use the Survey 123 app using a
smartphone. Additionally, a section specifically for Youth Count volunteers covering key topics such as the
definition of homeless youth, sensitivity towards diverse youth. The Youth Count training also covers general tips for engaging youth and mandated child abuse reporting.

Are there any requirements to volunteer?
Yes, there are 5 requirements:
1) Have a smartphone and download Survey123 application
2) Ability to walk up to 2-hours while canvassing a neighborhood
3) Able to attend an online volunteer training
4) 18 years of age or over or if 16-17 years old be accompanied by an adult
5) Adhere to safety precautions outlined in the volunteer training

Can anyone participate in the count?
Yes, anyone 16 and over is welcomed to participate and become a volunteer. Individuals ages 16 or 17
years old must be accompanied by an adult and both individuals must register as a Point-in-Time Count
volunteer.

Will there be COVID-19 precautions or restrictions?
Yes, the safety of our staff, volunteers and homeless population is a priority. We encourage volunteers
to be vaccinated and to stay home if they feel sick prior to the day of the count.

Where do I check-in on the day of the count?
Once you have participated in the volunteer training, you will be assigned to a deployment site. You will
receive the time to check-in, location, and name of the Point-in-Time Count leader for your deployment
site through email communication. At the deployment site, volunteers will receive instructions, be placed
into a counting team, and receive their assignment of the area where they will be counting.

How can I register to become a volunteer for the Point-in-Time Count?
Becoming a volunteer is very easy and only requires you to register online by visiting 2023 More Than A
Count or 2023 More Than A Count Youth websites.

If I cannot participate on the day of the Point-in-Time Count, how else can I help?
Donations in gift cards, cold weather items (gloves, beanies, socks) or travel size hygiene products provide
great support to unsheltered persons. For donations, please contact the Homeless Point-in-Time Count
Coordinator at RivCoPIT@rivco.org or call the Point-in-Time Count Hotline at (951)-358-3844.

What’s the difference between the Youth Point-in-Time Count and the General Point-in-
Time Count?

The Youth Point-in-Time Count occurs over a 3-day period and identifies homeless youth ages 24 and
under experiencing homelessness in Riverside County. The general Point-in-Time Count is a one-day count
and takes all homeless individuals into account.

Where can I learn more about the Homeless Point-in-Time Count?
Visit 2023 More Than A Count or 2023 More Than A Count Youth websites. and follow our social media
to stay up to date.