Volunteer Management Essential Part of PIT Counts PIT

Volunteer Management: Essential Part of PIT Counts PIT Count Workshop Toronto 2015 Wally Czech Housing First Specialist City of Lethbridge, AB Module 3 – Planning for Success

Benefits of Volunteers Cover a larger geographic area Elicits community support and involvement Allows CE/CBO staff to focus on monitoring role. Creates efficiency and ability to accomplish more

Recruitment Identify who will manage volunteers Determine roles and types Determine #’s required Set number and dates for training Actual Recruitment Regular Communication Role Based Training

Where to Find Volunteers Members and partners in homeless system of care Students Provincial/City staff and workers Human service agencies Volunteer organizations Neighborhood associations Newspaper add Website posts Past volunteer lists Not for profit groups Lived experience**** Previous count contact list Appeals to volunteers should describe expected time commitment, duration and amount of training required, potential risks, and safety measure in place.

Managing Volunteer Registration Blanket registration Register to roles/teams Know numbers you need Plan to lose 30% Plan for having extras Recommend online method Volunteer Spot

Volunteer Roles Set up and take down Registration/Greeting/ Training assistants Canvassing teams Materials/supply distribution Data quality check/input Safety checkers/communicators Donation solicitors Public relations

Volunteer Training Enumerator training is an essential component in producing accurate homeless counts. Using the methodology consistently by all volunteers is key. Both old and new (changes, pairing) In person or remotely Role specific Develop formal training materials Provide key methodology (1 to 2 pages) Who should and should not be counted Discuss challenges of personal judgment Safety issues and protocols Ongoing communication Team lead roles/responsibilities Members of housing teams/past experience

Training topics cont… Purpose of accurate data Review previous results, what went well and what did not Terminology Role playing Count night process and timeline Review of survey instruments/questions How to approach individuals Helping people connect to supports and services What happens with sub populations What to wear, bring, reporting, staying safe, trouble

Training and Communication Up to one month before actual count The night of the actual count Ongoing