VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Every January, city officials and volunteers trek through Virginia Beach in search of unhoused people. It is called a Point-in-Time Count, and it aims to provide a snapshot of unhoused people in the city.
Because Virginia Beach received federal funding for homelessness programs, it is required to conduct the Point-in-Time Count each year. The city uses the count to learn how many people are homeless, where they are located, how they became homeless and what services they need.
Ahead of the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, city officials want to know where Virginia Beach residents have seen people living without shelter. Signs to look out for are personal belongings left behind, a structure resembling a bed or seeing a person there on multiple occasions.
To report where you have seen people living unsheltered, complete the survey on SpeakUpVB.com. The survey closes on Dec 1.
If you would like to volunteer to help with the count, it will be from 3:30 to 7 a.m. on Jan. 23. Volunteers will find unhoused people, and hand out information on resources and hygiene kits. You must be at least 18 years old and attend one of the training sessions to volunteer.
To volunteer for the count, you have to sign up online.
