Volunteers sought for street count

The Homelessness Unit is seeking enthused volunteers to join its workers at odd hours of the morning to carry out a count of people who are sleeping rough across the City of Sydney Local Government Area.

Over 350 people were counted sleeping rough acros the LGA in the August 2008 street count. With the benefit of lessons learned during the first count and warmer, less inclement weather this time (it is hoped) the Homelessness Unit is keen to see if there will be any major changes in the numbers of people sleeping rough in February.

In the last count, 165 people gave their time to assist with the count. The goal for February is 200 volunteers! This number will enable the Unit to count some of the areas that it was unable to get to last time such as Glebe.

With the release of the White Paper on Homelessness the Federal Government has committed itself, and Council, to specific targets in relation to reducing homelessness.

The street count will be one way of measuring the impacts of policy changes and the adequacy of resources at a local level.

If you are interested in volunteering or just keen to find out more, visit the Council website where you will also find the registration form and volunteer manual. www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Community/HomelessnessServices/StreetCount.asp

Contact Katie Price, Homelessness Project Coordinator, on 9265 9667 or kprice@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Source: South Sydney Herald February 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au