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Homeless count is coming to the Fraser Valley to help track the numbers

Training Feb. 27 in Chilliwack to help volunteers adopt respectful and compassionate approach
20641365_web1_200220-CPL-Homeless-Count-2020_1
A homeless man sleeps in an alcove. (Don Denton/News file)

The homeless count is coming up and it always requires individual and agency volunteers to help out.

The 2020 FVRD Point in Time Count rolls out across the Fraser Valley region over 24 hours, and in Chilliwack it’s being organized by PCRS reps.

The homeless count spans from the evening of March 3 to the evening of March 4, with the help of trained volunteers who will walk around the neighbourhood conducting anonymous interviews.

Counters head out in pairs, in shifts two to five hours long, initiating one-on-one conversations with those living rough, couch-surfing, or staying at shelters.

They are asked to adopt an attitude of compassion and respect toward the folks who may be living sheltered or unsheltered in their communities.

The count happens every three years to determine the number of people who do not have adequate housing in the Fraser Valley.

READ MORE: Numbers tripled in 2017

It allows communities to track homelessness and raises public awareness about those experiencing it in their communities.

In Chilliwack, email Jodi Higgs at jhiggs@pcrs.ca to indicate interest and the commitment to volunteer, and attend the mandatory training session from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Council Chambers at City Hall on February 27.

Here are some numbers for those volunteers interested in helping out across the Fraser Valley:

Info in Abbotsford 604-302-6156

Jodi in Chilliwack 604-795-5994

Info in Harrison 604-796-2585

Roxanne in Hope 604-869-5111, #222

Info in Agassiz 604-796-2585

Kirsten in Mission 604-820-3752

READ MORE: Setting their sights on housing homeless youth


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Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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