An annual count to help local officials and aid groups determine how many homeless people are in the city happens this week. The count of people experiencing homelessness is made on a single night in January.

It identifies people who are living on the street, in emergency shelters, transitional housing and safe havens. The count is made by city staff, the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, community volunteers and others.

The count is required as part of the federal Continuum of Care program. The information helps direct policy and resources. Last year 1,567 people were counted in Marion County, including 121 families.