Downey to canvass neighborhoods, count homeless residents

Volunteers at last year's homeless count. Courtesy photo

DOWNEY – The city of Downey has signed an agreement to participate in the 2016 Homeless Count, an annual tally of local homeless residents. 

“We are so pleased to be an official participant in the Homeless Count [next] year, in order to ensure we have the appropriate services ready to help,” said Mayor Alex Saab. “We feel strongly about demonstrating our commitment to care for our neighbors.” 

The count involves dozens of volunteers walking Downey neighborhoods to count and interact with homeless neighbors. The count will take place Jan. 26 beginning at 7:30 p.m. It starts with a volunteer orientation at First Baptist Church of Downey. 

If you are interested in volunteering with the count, call Kim Barnette of Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority at (213) 507-0169.