TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — We all know that Arizona and Pima County have a huge homelessness problem.

Local groups are preparing to start counting the homeless each year because an accurate count could bring them more federal funding.

Everything is volunteer based.

To attract more volunteers, the Tucson Pima Coalition to End Homelessness is using smart devices to conduct counts instead of paper.

News 4 Tucson spoke with Laura McAndrews-Lopez, who volunteered for the 2023 Points in Time Count and will be participating again this year.

McAndrews-Lopez said what hasn't been reported so far is that organizers will use an app to do the counting.

Anyone who wants to volunteer doesn't even need to own a smart device, although they will need to learn how to use it. At least one person in the assigned group will own a smartphone.

“We held up our phones or tablets to whatever our partners or teams had. Then we asked questions, just asked the interviewee for answers, and we filled it out and that was it. ” McAndrews-Lopez said.

According to organizers, if anyone wants to participate, the counting will take place from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. on January 24, 2024.

Volunteers must register by then and take a two-hour training course.

Everyone is encouraged to wear a mask and stay informed about the COVID-19 vaccine. If not, organizers can find other ways to help with the count.

The Tucson Pima Coalition to End Homelessness is currently recruiting at least 300 volunteers. If you are interested in registering, click here.