Clark County seeks volunteers for homeless census

Clark County is seeking volunteers to assist with the Nevada Homeless Census count in Las Vegas.

Volunteers and officials will conduct the census throughout the valley between 11:30 p.m. Jan. 27 and 6 a.m. Jan. 28, according to a county news release. Volunteers are instructed not to interact or disturb the homeless people, the release stated.

The county said it is especially in need of volunteers with cars, so they can drive a team around.

Counting the homeless is a prerequisite to qualifying for federal grants for homeless programs, according to the release. The data collected is important in determining the need for programs.

In 2014, Southern Nevada received more than $10 million from these grants, according to the county. Last year’s census showed 9,417 homeless people were staying in shelters or on the streets.

Those who are interested are asked to attend one of three training sessions Jan. 22 in Commission Chambers at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Trainings will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., noon to 1 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Prospective volunteers may register online at www.helphopehome.org under the “Save the Date” tab on the left, by email at helphopehome@clarkcountynv.org or by phone at 702-455-5832.

Contact reporter Cassandra Taloma at ctaloma@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find her on Twitter: @CassandraTaloma.