Riverside County is recruiting more than 700 volunteers for the 2027 Homeless Point-in-Time Count on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The one-day street census covers all 28 cities in the county, including Murrieta.
Residents can sign up at rivcohws.org and choose which part of the county they want to cover. The street count begins at 5:30 a.m., with service-based counts continuing Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, according to the county's Housing and Workforce Solutions department.
The county will again run its More Than a Count initiative alongside the census. The program aims to connect veterans, families, youth and seniors with same-day housing opportunities and supportive services.
"More Than a Count reflects our commitment to making this effort about more than gathering data," Heidi Marshall, director of Housing and Workforce Solutions, said in a county statement. Marshall said the collaboration of cities, service providers, volunteers, public safety partners and county departments creates "an opportunity to connect people with meaningful support."
During the January 2025 count, nearly 1,000 people volunteered, Patch reported. That survey found 3,990 people chronically unsheltered countywide, a 7% increase from 3,725 in the 2023 count, according to Patch.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development uses the data to guide federal homeless relief funding decisions.
Volunteers work in teams of three to five, accompanied by law enforcement, canvassing assigned neighborhoods to interview unsheltered individuals using a smartphone app called Survey 123. No prior experience is required, but all volunteers must complete an online training session beforehand.
Requirements include owning a smartphone, the ability to walk up to two hours and a minimum age of 18. Volunteers ages 16 or 17 may participate if accompanied by a registered adult. Bilingual volunteers are especially encouraged, the county said.
Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Spiegel said the effort "reflects a shared commitment to understanding the needs of our residents and connecting people with resources." She said city staff, public safety personnel and community organizations all play a role.
Residents who cannot volunteer on count day can donate gift cards, cold-weather items such as gloves, beanies and socks, or travel-size hygiene products. Donation inquiries go to [email protected] or 951-358-3844.
Anyone experiencing homelessness in Riverside County can call the HomeConnect hotline at 800-498-8847 for assistance. Volunteer registration is open at rivcohws.org/homeless-point-time-pit-count.
