Volunteers Gather for Homeless Count

MORENO VALLEY>> Volunteers spread out across Moreno Valley on Tuesday, Jan. 24 to count and help identify locations where homeless people live and receive services. Volunteers from a variety of organizations, including Riverside County agencies and local homeless service providers and area residents assisted in the count. Volunteers also distributed kits that included hats, gloves and hygiene items and a list of phone numbers for homeless services. Bags of dog food for homeless pets were also handed out. The annual effort was part of an effort throughout the region. Information collected will ensure continued federal funding for homeless programs, assist in developing strategies to end homelessness, and provide help for homeless children and families in need. Homelessness counts are also taking place across the United States as part of the national effort to address chronic homelessness. The results of the County wide effort are expected to be released by May 2017.