Social service agencies throughout Northwest Montana are gearing up for the annual Montana Homeless Survey on Thursday, Jan. 29. People who consider themselves homeless or at risk of being homeless may fill out surveys at a number of drop-in locations.

The survey provides information about the homeless in Northwest Montana and is linked to future funding opportunities for programs and services for those in need and creating new housing resources.

The survey will count individuals sleeping in a place not meant for habitation, staying in an emergency shelter, domestic violence shelter or transitional housing facility for homeless persons, or anyone who was otherwise without a home on the evening of Jan. 29.

All answers are confidential and will not affect eligibility for any services. Only one survey should be filled out per family or household.

Families and individuals who may not already be connected with participating social service agencies are encouraged to complete a survey at drop-in sites in Kalispell: Gateway Community Center information desk; Flathead Job Service, 427 First Ave. E.; Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana at 214 Main St. and Samaritan House at 124 Ninth Ave. W. Surveys will be available at those sites from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 29.

Individuals who consider themselves homeless may complete a survey over the telephone by calling Help Net at 752-8181 from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Jan. 29. People outside of Flathead County may call toll free at 1-800-332-8425.

In addition to the agency surveys, a number of surveyors will be going to motels and other areas where homeless people may be staying to locate as many homeless individuals and families as possible in Northwest Montana.

Volunteers are needed to help with the survey. Interested individuals can call the United Way Volunteer Center at 752-7266 for more information.