Next week will be annual homeless count across the country.

Organizers say this one-day event on Wednesday gives a “snapshot” of the number of homeless living in communities. Columbus Township Trustee Ben Jackson says that his office is working with Human Services Inc. on a team to try to get an accurate tally.

Jackson said the group, including Columbus police, Centerstone and others, will be going out to all of the known areas where the homeless have encampments. The goal is to ask where people spent the previous night, whether it is outdoors, in a shelter or on a friend’s couch.

People can drop by the Columbus Township Trustee’s Office on Washington Street, to be counted, or can go the Recovery Engagement Center at 720 N. Marr Road to be counted.

The Wednesday count helps to determine the amount of funding the community obtains for shelter and permanent housing programs.That includes places like Turning Point, Horizon House and Human Services.

If you have questions about the count, Jackson says you can call his office at 812 372-8249.