The Lex End Homelessness Continuum of Care (CoC) seeks teams of volunteers to visit dozens of outdoor locations where persons experiencing homelessness might be found to sleep overnight. Volunteers will conduct a count of the number of individuals and families identified to be without shelter, complete surveys with those identified, facilitate access to emergency shelter, and distribute care packages. The LexCount takes place from 10 – 11:59 p.m. Feb. 23, 2022.
Due to ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, teams will be limited to no more than four people per team. Additionally, in order to reduce risk of community spread, the CoC/OHPI will not be assigning volunteers to teams.
Instead, volunteers will identify their own team members and captain prior to registering. Each team is responsible for providing their own transportation; please be certain that at least one driver is identified on your team and that a vehicle is available for your use on the evening of the count. Those volunteering to drive must be confident in their ability to do so on the evening of the count; driver assignments are very important to the successful operation of our count. Only the team captain should submit a registration and simply list the additional members.
Your team can request to be joined by a Lexington Police Department officer in the field. The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention will try to facilitate these requests based on the availability of LPD officers. There is no guarantee the team will have a police officer assigned. Additionally, should you request an LPD officer to join your team, full COVID-19 precautions (ex: face coverings) will be required at ALL TIMES. Officers will not be in vehicles with teams
Training, check-in and check-out procedures have been modified for COVID-19 pandemic protocols. Information will be sent to team captains upon completion of registration.
Volunteers should anticipate completing a 30-minute on-demand training webinar via Zoom. Training is mandatory and must be completed in advance of the LexCount. For new volunteers or volunteers that would like additional information on homelessness; an additional general training video will also be available and highly recommended.
