PACIFIC PALISADES—The Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness (PPTFH) announced that the Pacific Palisades Point in Time Homeless Count will officially take place on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 4:30 a.m. at Palisades Charter High on 15777 Bowdoin Street in the Mercer Hall Auditorium.

The PPTFH, formed in October 2014, is an independent group of community volunteers who are committed to addressing the issues associated with homelessness within the Palisades. The mission of PPTFH is “to provide leadership and resources to manage and eliminate the destructive consequences of Palisades’ homelessness so that the community is protected, remains safe and homeless people receive compassionate, effective services with access to permanent housing.”

The Homeless Point in Time Count, which is led by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), is a way to gather important data that is essential to paving the way to end homelessness in Los Angeles by helping to secure and direct resources where they are needed the most.

According to a PPTFH newsletter, at least 70 Palisadian volunteers will count the number of homeless people within the Palisades community and map their locations. The information will aid PPTFH with enforcement and the provision of service.

The 2015 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count reported 25,686 homeless individuals living within the City of Los Angeles, which was a 16 percent increase from 2013.

PPTFH notes on their website that “Pacific Palisades has experienced an even greater increase in its homeless population as reflected in the increased numbers of visible homeless people on our streets and hillsides, brush fires from encampments, property vandalism, aggressive behavior towards residents and shopkeepers, panhandling and use of public spaces for personal hygiene.”

The PPTFH is currently seeking more volunteers to help with the January 28 Homeless Count. A total of 14 volunteers have signed at the moment. Volunteers will be trained to count the number of homeless individuals and identify their demographic characteristics and the locations where they reside.

To register as a volunteer go to: http://www.theycountwillyou.org/pacific_palisades_count

After registration, volunteers will receive additional information on what to expect and all the details needed for the count. On the morning of the count, volunteers will receive training and will be asked to sign a release.

For more information about LAHSA Homeless count go to: http://www.theycountwillyou.org/