Santa Monica News
Santa Monica's Homeless Head Count
By Katherine Noland
Dec 12, 2012 - 2:13:28 PM

SANTA MONICA—This January, the Santa Monica Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Chamber of Commerce will be heading the 2013 Homeless Count, welcoming volunteers to sign up and join the counting of every person seen sleeping in public areas.

The event will take place on Wednesday, January 30 from 10:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m., where city officials and volunteers will walk through the streets of Santa Monica counting the heads of those sleeping on the streets to collect data for the Annual Review of the city’s plan for Homeless Services.

This review studies the local impacts and perceptions of homelessness, local resources and responses, continuing challenges, regional coordination and advocacy, including other steps to be taken.

According to reports, the homeless population in Santa Monica has gone down 34% from 2009-2012, and this annual count has aided in providing information for the homeless strategy.

On November 27, the city held their review of their plan for homeless services to the Santa Monica City Council, during a public hearing which allowed the community to voice their opinions and ideas for strategies to combat homelessness. If interested in volunteering in January’s Homeless Count, please visit http://www.smgov.net/portals/homelessness/.