Later this month, an annual one-day effort gets underway to count the people in Island County who don’t have addresses.

Island County Human Services is looking for people from all areas of Whidbey Island to help in the Point in Time Count and survey, the results of which are designed help identify trends and needs regarding local homelessness.

The numbers used in the Jan. 23 count also guide state and federal funding allocation decisions, which is why it’s important for it to be as accurate as possible, according to county Housing Resource Coordinator Joanne Pelant.

The survey also allows social workers, veteran resource workers and others to directly provide or refer services to those in need.

Teams of volunteers may ride bus routes, stay at an event location or travel to known areas where unsheltered individuals reside.

Training will occur prior to the count.