TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The annual point-in-time count provides a snapshot of Pima County's current homeless population. This year, volunteers began their investigation early Wednesday morning, speaking with unsheltered people.

“The survey asks all sorts of questions about how long people have been sheltered, but just basic demographic data. And to determine factors that may influence homelessness. I'm going to ask you a few questions personally,” said Claudia Powell, co-director of Point in Time Count.

The investigation has several parts, including interviews with people in care. The objective is to obtain specific data on the currently unhoused population.

The Point in Time Count is coordinated by the Tucson-Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness, in collaboration with the City of Tucson, the Pima County Department of Workforce Development, and the University of Arizona Southwest Women's Institute.

Approximately 500 people volunteered to help with the survey this year. Usually several groups come back from a survey without interviewing anyone. Even with more volunteers this year, everyone was busy.

“We feel like people were doing a lot of interviews all over the county. In past years, there were sometimes groups where we couldn't find anyone or didn't interview anyone. This year we've had those. There were very few,” Powell said.

The findings will be returned to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds are allocated based on results to provide assistance to Pima County communities.

In last year's survey, 60% increase This year's survey results are expected to be announced in May.

Many groups in Tucson are actively working to find solutions, including Gospel Rescue Mission. When it comes to outreach, CEO Lisa Chastain describes approaches that can help vulnerable populations, such as those without housing.

“People on the streets are almost always stubborn and don't believe anyone. So let's overcome the barriers to building relationships. We value your story. “Everyone has their own story about how they started,” she said.

For more information on point-in-time counting, please visit: tpch.net/about/point-in-time-count.