The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development conducts an annual count of the homeless population on one night, nationwide. This year's point in time count determines how funding will be distributed in the future to help the homeless.

The Carbon County Action Committee is teaming up with local agencies to help complete a count for Jan. 27 into Jan. 28.Volunteers at all Shepard House food pantries are needed. In addition, a local church from that community to open its doors the night of Jan. 27 or morning of the 28th for a few hours to provide resources and supplies to anyone that is homeless.Volunteers in Carbon County are needed (teams of three to four) to walk one of the following communities for the count: Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Lansford, Jim Thorpe, and Weatherly on the night of Jan. 27 or morning of the 28th to locate anyone homeless in the county.If you are unable to volunteer for the walk, you can participate by driving around your community the night or morning of the count and keep your eye out for anyone who may be homeless.If you find anyone homeless, or if you know someone who is homeless on the night of the count, contact 610-377-6400 ext. 223 so we can include everyone in the count and connect them with services.If you are interested in putting together a team to conduct a walk in a Carbon County community not specified above, or if you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please call the Carbon County Action Committee at 610-377-6400, ext. 223.