Santa Monica’s Annual Homeless Count is on January 23
January 22, 2019 2:54 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The City of Santa Monica will conduct its annual street-by-street enumeration of homeless individuals on the night of Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019. Santa Monica joins the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and communities across the county in conducting a count. Santa Monica’s count is made possible with the support of more than 300 volunteers with a total of 7,500 volunteers committed countywide January 22 – 24.
This annual count is a vital tool in establishing annual homeless priorities and is especially important this year as the region copes with a growing homeless crisis. Homelessness increased by 4 percent throughout the county with a 4 percent decrease in Los Angeles County. The City has made a $1.4 million additional investment in homelessness focused on proactive and compassionate engagement.
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 10:30 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. The count is conducted rain or shine.
WHERE: St. Monica Catholic Community Grand Pavilion, 725 California Avenue, Santa Monica
WHO: Hundreds of passionate community volunteers, including: Mayor Pro Tempore Terry O’Day and City Council, City Manager Rick Cole, Assemblymember Richard Bloom, Police Chief Cynthia Renaud, Fire Chief Bill Walker, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Laurel Rosen, the City’s Human Services Division, and supporting organizations (listed below).
WHAT: Every year, Santa Monicans volunteer their time to get a count of Santa Monica’s homeless population. The Count begins at St. Monica Catholic Community Grand Pavilion with a kick-off event and training. Volunteers then deploy from St. Monica’s in teams to cover every area of the City by foot and by car to conduct a visual count of people sleeping in public spaces. At the same time, homeless individuals will be counted in shelters, transitional programs, local area hospitals and other overnight facilities. The media is invited to follow volunteer teams, and should check in with staff prior to the start of the event.
This year, registered volunteers are being asked to bring toiletries and food (listing located here) to donate to local agencies who will distribute them to people on the street.
WHY: Count results help the City:
- Understand trends among the City’s homeless population;
- Adapt local homeless service programs;
- Comply with HUD and local stakeholder requirements; and
- Raise public awareness about the issue of homelessness.
The City of Santa Monica thanks the sponsors shown on the attached list for making the Homeless Count a successful community event each year. To learn more about the City’s efforts to address homelessness, visit www.weare.santamonica.gov/addressing-homelessness
The City of Santa Monica would like to acknowledge the following organizations for their support:
- Dagwoods Pizza
- Neli’s Catering
- Trader Joe’s
- St. Monica Catholic Community
Media Contact
Miranda Iglesias
Public Information Coordinator
Miranda.Iglesias@SMGOV.NET