Lexington Seeks Volunteers for Feb 25 Homeless Count

Lexington is giving residents a chance to make a real difference in just two hours on the night of February 25.

The city needs volunteers for LexCount, its annual effort to count people experiencing homelessness. This isn't just about numbers. Teams will distribute care packages, complete surveys, and help connect people directly to emergency shelters.

The count was originally scheduled for January 28 but got postponed when winter weather blanketed the city. Now organizers are regrouping for a Wednesday night count running from 10 p.m. to just before midnight.

Volunteers work in teams of four, visiting outdoor locations throughout Lexington to identify individuals and households without shelter. Each team can request a police officer to accompany them, though availability isn't guaranteed.

Nobody goes in unprepared. The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention pairs every volunteer team with experienced providers who know the terrain and the people they're trying to reach.

The Ripple Effect

This annual count does more than create statistics for city planners. It creates a direct bridge between people in need and the services that can help them. Every survey completed means one more person connected to resources. Every care package handed out means someone knows their community sees them.

The data collected helps Lexington understand the true scale of homelessness and direct funding where it's needed most. Federal grants, local programs, and shelter capacity all depend on accurate counts.

For volunteers, it's a chance to turn concern into action. Two hours on a Wednesday night could mean the difference between someone sleeping outside and finding shelter. It could mean connecting a person to the services that start them on a path toward stability.

Applications are open now, and the city is counting on everyday residents to show up for their neighbors who need it most.