2012 WeALLCount Campaign – Volunteer Instructions
Deployment Centers & Deployment Center Coordinators (DCC)
All volunteers are assigned a Deployment Center. All volunteers will meet at their assigned Deployment Center on Friday, January 27, 2012 prior to the Count. DCCs are the coordinators at the various Deployment Centers located throughout the County.
All volunteers must sign the Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability.
Teams
Teams contain at least two persons. At least one team member must be carrying a cell phone. Generally, one member takes responsibility for completing the Homeless Enumeration Tally Form (“The Form”), while the other(s) navigate the route and look for homeless individuals.
Routes / Maps
Teams are responsible for ONLY the area within the black boundary. ONLY cover the side of the street within the black outlined area (the side closest to the map area).
Please view the example map for more information.
If you see homeless individuals outside of the boundary, mark the location of the individuals on the map, but DO NOT add a tally mark/count.
If you are responsible for a driving route, you may, as time and safety precautions permit, decide to park your vehicle and walk part(s) of the route, e.g., commercial district or parks, to get a more accurate count. DO NOT exit your vehicle in a desolate area. Use discretion in deciding whether or not to park your vehicle and walk part(s) of the route.
Contact With Homeless Persons & Follow Up Survey
* If you encounter persons directly, hand them an “Invitation to Interview”.
* The invitation enables us to coordinate surveys/interviews.
* If you are asked about your activities during the Count, simply reply…
“We are part of a national project to count persons who are homeless.”
Whom To Count
Counting can be subjective. The following are general guides.
A. AUTOMATICALLY COUNT
- Individuals sleeping outside
- Vehicles with windows covered (see below)
- Tents, Makeshift Structures, and Boxes (see below)
B. DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY COUNT
- Individuals engaged in illegal activities, e.g., drug activity or prostitution
- Individuals leaving bars or other establishments
- Individuals waiting for buses
- Individuals participating in “Occupy” movement protests
C. OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING WHETHER TO COUNT
- Walking, sitting, or standing “with no purpose”
- Panhandling
- Carrying bags, backpacks, garbage bags, suitcases, bedrolls, shopping cart
- In possession of recycling, especially large numbers of items
- Disheveled, inebriated, etc.
How To Count
D. INDIVIDUALS
For each person you see (whether an individual or appearing to be in a family), mark on the map and a tally mark in the INDIVIDUALS box (top left of the Form).
E. CARS/TRUCKS/RVs/VANS
DO NOT approach vehicles or tap on windows. Mark p on the map and a tally mark (per vehicle) in the CARS/TRUCKS/RV/VAN box (top middle of the Form). Simply note the number of vehicles. Do not count/tally the number of persons who may be inside. Consideration for counting:
- The vehicle’s windows are covered
- The vehicle is very crammed and/or cluttered
- The vehicle is occupied but obviously not operational
- The RV or Trailer is not attached to a cab
- The RV or Trailer is parked in a desolate area and/or is near an encampment
- Do not assume how many people are inside.
F. HAND-BUILT STRUCTURES
DO NOT approach structures. Mark Ó on the map for each structure and one tally mark (per structure) in the HAND-BUILT STRUCTURES box (top right of the Form). Do not count the number of occupants per structure.
G. ABANDONED BUILDINGS
DO NOT enter abandoned buildings. If you can only hear people, approximate the number of individuals that you hear on the Form.
H. COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS
If there is a commercial establishment that may attract homeless individuals (e.g., fast food, transportation depots) is on your route (and open for business), enter the establishment and count as safety allows.
I. PARKS
If you are driving and cannot clearly see from your car, walk the perimeter. Observe as much as possible from a safe distance and make reasonable assumptions.
J. ALLEYS
Only enter an ally with a companion and if it is well lit. If it is dark or appears dangerous, use your flashlight to scan for any homeless occupants. Observe as much as possible from a safe distance and make reasonable assumptions.
K. ON-RAMPS
DO NOT get on the freeway. If there is an encampment under an on-ramp, count people who are visible from the street. If it is dark or appears dangerous, observe as much as possible from a safe distance and make reasonable assumptions.
L. TALLYING YOUR COUNT
Mark the appropriate shape and place a tally mark for each individual, car, truck, RV, van or hand-built structure.
Safety And Emergencies
* If an emergency, please dial 911
* Non-emergency, please contact your DCC.
To reach the Regional Task Force on The Homeless (RTFH) staff…
Jennifer Litwak at (252) 617-0958 – cell
Peter Callstrom at (858) 525-3615 – cell
WHEN YOU ARE DONE:
- Report to your Deployment Center
- Return all forms and supplies to your Deployment Center after your count – the same morning – VERY IMPORTANT