Training will be provided to all volunteers online and in person before Jan. 28. Photo by Samuel Peter via Pexels

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the Butte Countywide Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC) will conduct the Point in Time (PIT) count, also known as the homeless census, with the assistance of Butte County employees, Continuum of Care participating agencies and community volunteers.

As required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Continuums of Care nationwide are mandated to count the number of people experiencing homelessness who are in emergency shelters, transitional housing and experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

The Point in Time count helps to ensure appropriate funding is provided by the State and Federal government to assist local agencies that provide services, such as housing and healthcare, to Butte County’s unhoused population. Community volunteers are needed to make this year’s Point in Time count a success. Point in Time count volunteers canvass neighborhoods to conduct surveys and assist at hub locations.

Training will be provided to all volunteers online and in person before Jan. 28.

“This is really a helpful way to give back to our community, I encourage anyone looking for an opportunity to volunteer to consider helping with the PIT count. Homelessness impacts all of us in one way or another, this is an opportunity to help our community receive appropriate resources to help work toward solutions and provide services to those in need,” said Chief Administrative Officer Andy Pickett.

The Point in Time count will be conducted throughout Butte County via in-person interviews with individuals who are experiencing homelessness, with incentives available to those who participate. Individuals can participate by completing a survey at one of the hub locations or by speaking with volunteers who will canvass the county.

If you are sleeping in the park, on the street, in a vehicle or have no permanent home, visit a location near you between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Jan. 29. The survey locations are listed below.

Gridley residents can go to the Gridley Lions Club at 186 Washington St., Gridley.

Chico residents can go to either Chico City Council Chambers Building (421 Main St., Chico) or to the Department of Employment and Social Services located at 765 East Ave. in Chico.

Oroville residents can go to the Oroville Hope Center at 2620 South 5th Ave. in Oroville or to the Department of Employment and Social Services at 78 Table Mountain Blvd. in Oroville.

Paradise residents can visit Jubilee Church, located at 6280 Clark Road in Paradise.

Individuals who would like to volunteer to assist with the 2025 Point in Time count can visit www.buttehomelesscoc.com or call 530.552.6200 for more information.

Additional information about the Butte Countywide Homeless Continuum of Care and the 2023 Point in Time count is available at www.buttehomelesscoc.com.