Announcement

Hundreds of Volunteers needed for 2013 Countywide Homeless Survey

In 2011 Santa Barbara County had the most “Registry Week” volunteers of any community nationwide to help conduct the bi-annual Vulnerability Index Survey and Point in Time Count to discover how many individuals and families are living on the streets. Common Ground Santa Barbara County and the newly established Central Coast Collaborative on Homelessness (C3H) is again seeking hundreds of volunteers to make the 2013 effort a success so that our community can have accurate data and information about homelessness throughout the county.

Help out in this year’s upcoming Countywide Homeless Vulnerability Survey. Five hundred volunteers are needed to help conduct the bi-annual Vulnerability Index Survey and Point in Time Count to discover how many individuals and families are living on the streets. This survey will ensure that those who are at the highest risk will receive valuable life-saving resources and services, moving them into housing and reducing their dependency on expensive emergency services.

No experience is needed. Volunteers for the Jan. 22 & 23 survey dates must attend one of the countywide training events to be held on:

SANTA MARIA

Training Day, Thursday Jan 17, 2-4pm

Church for Life, 3130 Skyway Dr #501, Santa Maria, 93455

SANTA MARIA

Training Day, Thursday Jan 17, 6-8pm

Church for Life, 3130 Skyway Dr #501, Santa Maria, 93455

LOMPOC

Training Day, Friday, Jan 18, 2-4pm

New Life Christian Center

816 North C Street, Lompoc, 93436

LOMPOC

Training Day, Friday, Jan 18, 6-8pm

New Life Christian Center

816 North C Street, Lompoc, 93436

SANTA BARBARA

(Training location for Goleta, Isla Vista, and Carpinteria)

Training Day, Saturday, Jan 19, 1pm-4pm:

Earl Warren Showgrounds, Warren Hall, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, 93105

Volunteers are also needed to staff the survey outposts on Jan. 22 & 23, including set-up/take-down, directing volunteers and computer support for photo uploads. Volunteers also needed before Jan. 17th to prepare training packets.

If you belong to a club or organization: Common Ground Santa Barbara can make a presentation about volunteering to your members.

The Vulnerability Index was introduced in 2011 in a number of communities across the U.S. as a major improvement to the bi-annual nationwide homeless “Point in Time Count.” The Vulnerability Index enables the collection of more meaningful data and increases the potential impact of local agencies to successfully reach, help and house those in our County who are at the greatest risk of mortality.

When the Vulnerability Index Survey was completed in 2011, Santa Barbara County had more than 500 volunteers contact 1,536 people and 1,143 surveys where completed. Of the surveyed participants, it was found that 932 (79%) of people were vulnerable with high mortality risk if they remain on the streets. So far 108 people have been housed, including 17 vulnerable families.

Common Ground Santa Barbara County, in partnership with the 100k Homes Campaign and the Central Coast Collaborative on Homelessness (C3H), is dedicated to housing the most vulnerable on our streets in Santa Barbara County. For more information visit www.commongroundsb.org.