Photos: A Night On The Sacramento Point-In-Time Homeless Count

Wednesday night about a thousand volunteers fanned out throughout Sacramento County to count and survey the region's homeless population. The point-in-time homelessness count is mandated by Congress and happens every two years.

David Hernandez, Jenny Jordan, Jessica Legg and Jacob Hauter synchronize their phones before heading out on the point in time count.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

David Hernandez and Jacob Hauter volunteer in the point in time count, providing data on people experiencing homelessness in Sacramento.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Volunteer Jenny Jordan was doing her count north of downtown Sacramento near the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen.

"During the day when we normally work, people are up and about and here at night we can capture a more accurate number of the people that are experiencing homelessness," Jordan said. "This is a population of people that are, more times than not, forgotten so we're just out here letting them know that we care."

Darlene Johnson answers a survey for the point in time count and receives a $5 McDonald's gift card. Johnson lives in her car and is afraid of it breaking down and being towed away.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

The count will help local agencies get funding for homeless services. But Darlene Johnson, who is living in her car and was counted last night, isn't optimistic.

"I don't think it's going to make any difference. They come and they go and nothing's done."

Eddie Perez, a person experiencing homelessness in Sacramento, is counted and interviewed for the point in time count.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

The point in time count is nation-wide and takes place over two nights.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Another count will take place Thursday night. The results will likely be released in June.