Who We Are
To capture a snapshot of people facing homelessness in our community, the Cowichan Valley, along with many other Canadian communities, will participate in a National Point-In-Time Count this fall 2024. Led by the United Way British Columbia, the North Cowichan Municipality, and our First Nations Communities, trained volunteers will survey individuals staying in shelters, short-term housing, and sleeping precariously on the streets.
This Point-In-Time Count will indicate the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness.The purpose of the count is to estimate the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness on a typical night. This information collected every 1-3 years through a tally and a survey, is crucial. It will be used by local agencies, service providers, and the government to plan and implement appropriate programs and services, and measure health and housing needs for those experiencing housing problems or homelessness in our community.
We need your help on November 14, 2024, from 11 am to 5pm!
There are multiple volunteer roles available. Some require interaction with the unhoused community, and some volunteer roles don't require interaction with the unhoused community.
Roles requiring interactions with the unhoused community:
Survey Count Volunteers
In teams of 2-4, Survey Count Volunteers will either walk or drive (in personal vehicles) to a designated region within the Regional District of Cowichan Valley and conduct a federally/provincially designed survey with the unhoused community (if agreed upon by the individual).
Note: areas deemed unsafe and/or where larger encampments are known to exist will involve involvement by RCMP, Bylaw Enforcement, and/or experienced Outreach workers rather than members of the general public only.
One individual will ask each individual the survey question, and one individual will be the record keeper. One volunteer will also be responsible for thanking and giving survey respondents a small bag with snacks and personal care items (e.g., socks, nail clippers, etc.) as a “thank you” for participating. Surveys take approximately 15 minutes in length.
Volunteer training and orientation start promptly at 11am at VIU in Duncan. The Survey Count begins at noon.
· Note: Volunteer end times may be earlier, depending on when surveys are completed in the allocated region.
Roles requiring no interaction with the unhoused community:
1. Assemble small thank-you bags prior to the Survey Count
2. Assemble Surveys, Maps, and Clipboards
3. Miscellaneous supportive role to PiT Count Leads
If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about these volunteer roles please click 'respond' or contact Serena directly: serenak@uwbc.ca or 250.591.8731.
