Dawn Perkins and Chris Buhler hit the street Sunday afternoon searching for a population that is not always visible-- the homeless.
“I think it's important for community members to come out here and see the reality of what type of situation people are living in,” said Perkins.
Their search took them to West Fifth and Baylor in downtown Austin behind the railroad tracks.
The two volunteers looked in bushes and places they know homeless individuals and families have set up camp.
“I think it's important for the community to rally around this situation and try to end homelessness,” Buhler said.
“I think there are a lot of stereo types about homelessness,” explained Perkins. “We do see a visible homeless population in Austin. It's not necessarily representative of all homeless people one of the highest growing rates is among families and children.”
“Austin Travis County's homeless--number in the thousands. They live on the streets and outdoors. They sleep in homeless camps, in cars, under bridges and in shelters.
Every year volunteers count the number of homeless men, women and children living outside in Travis County. It's part of a nationwide effort to learn more how to help them.
For Perkins and Buhler they know the information they collect is vital to help homeless people leave the streets for a better life.
Last year volunteers counted more than 2000 homeless people, although it's believed as many as 4000 actually live in Travis County throughout the year. As a result of the findings, Travis County received about $4 million of federal money to help fight homelessness.
