The City of Saskatoon is encouraging people to volunteer for the annual Point-in-Time Count to help the City get a better look at homelessness.

Volunteers are sent in groups of three with one experienced team leader. Groups are sent to a general area and are tasked with counting the homeless and finding out where they’re staying. Groups are sent in three-hour shifts but volunteers can sign up for more than one shift. Training is provided to applicants.

Sarah King, Housing and Homelessness Manager with the City of Saskatoon, says there are about 8 training sessions available.

“When they do sign up there is a form to find out their experience and availability. It also lets them choose a time slot for training.”

The Point-in-Time Count ideally has 275 volunteers but the City only has roughly 220 volunteers at the moment. The City will be taking volunteer applications until the end of the week because of the need for volunteers. People can sign up through the City’s social media, or they can find more information on the City’s website.