Ventura County's unemployment has doubled since 2007, requests for general relief has tripled and programs that serve the homeless are stretched thin. That is why Ventura County and non-profit organizations serving the homeless have asked volunteers to help them count the homeless population each year since 2007.

"Because the need is so great so it's extremely important that the County and other organizations receive all necessary program grants that help homeless families and individuals," said SEIU 721 member Ted Perez. Perez and Perry Morefield, both Mental Health Associates for Ventura County were profiled in a story about the homeless count in the Ventura County Star. Click here to read the story