The homeless census is conducted every two years. Back in 2009, about 2,800 people were found to be living in places like cars, parks and abandoned buildings throughout Sacramento County.
"I would not be surprised to find that we have more homeless people than we had in 2009 this year with the economy and the situation out there."
Paul Lake is with the county's Department of Human Assistance.
Teams of volunteers will be canvassing designated areas…some in vehicles and some on foot. Lake says they've all gone through training.
"Just give them tips on how to approach people and engage and how to make sure they're counting everyone at every location."
Counties across the U.S. are required to conduct a "point in time" homeless count to qualify for federal grants. Sacramento County gets about $14 million in federal Housing and Urban Development money to pay for shelters.
