http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1208evbriefs1208.html

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Volunteers are sought to help count homeless MESA - Mesa and the Maricopa Association of Governments are looking for volunteers for the 2006 Homeless Street Count on Jan. 24.

The count includes only individuals and families living on the street and at the Phoenix overflow shelter. It does not include the more than 5,000 currently residing in other shelters or transitional housing. Last year 2,918 people were identified as living on the streets of Maricopa County.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the count in order to apply for HUD funding. In 2005 the region was awarded more than $19 million for homeless-assistance programs.

No experience is necessary to volunteer, and training is provided. Homeless individuals are not approached, merely counted.

Information: Lisa Wilson at (480) 644-5831 or visit www.cityofmesa.org/ humansvc.

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