New Bedford Homeless Count Underway

Nearly 400 people were labeled homeless in New Bedford last year, and the annual count is underway to see if that number has risen or fallen.

The 2013 Point-In-Time Homeless Count began at 2pm Wednesday, with about 30 volunteers hitting the pavement for 24 hours, surveying those living on the streets and in shelters.

Community Development Coordinator Sandy Perez says the count also acts as a guidance program.

Volunteers will also distribute warm clothing items, food vouchers, and bus passes.

Coordinators feel the count may be a bit higher this year because of the unseasonably warm weather.