Oregon Public Broadcasting

Government officials and volunteers are scouring the streets of Central Oregon Thursday to try to get an accurate count of homeless people. Krisitan Foden-Vencil reports.

They're searching Bend, LaPine, Sisters, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras, as well as the countryside.

The area is bigger than the entire state of New Jersey. But social service staff are also offering free food, blankets, sleeping bags and propane tanks at agencies and shelters to encourage as many people as possible to show up and be counted. 

Don Senecal, just got back from a soup kitchen at an Episcopal Church in Bend.

Don Senecal: "If they're currently living in a motel, or a homeless shelter, if they're doubling up with friends, if they're camping, if they're couch surfing, if theyr'e sleeping in a vehicle, or other temporary shelter, they're considred homeless."

The count is important because it dictates how much money various agencies receive.

The latest figures show homelessness increased by 11 percent in central Oregon between 2007 and 2009.

The recession could worsen this year's count.