In January of every year Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) dispatches hundreds of volunteers onto the streets of Austin in the early morning hours. Their task is to find as many people living unsheltered as possible and document information related to their homelessness. The Point in Time Count took place on January 28th this year.

In this Keep Austin Affordable video feature, we follow some of the volunteers and find out how their work to bring assistance to people on the streets is transforming their lives as well. Click on the image below to watch the video.

The results of this year’s Point in Time Count haven’t been released as yet. Last year, ECHO reported a 17% increase in people counted. The increase may have been due to recruiting efforts that sent 50% more volunteers onto the streets than the previous year. Either way, efforts continue to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in Austin. The Point in Time Count helps federal officials gauge what communities need more funding for shelters and other assistance to fight homelessness. The count also helps local officials track the homeless population in different parts of the city.