Chicago begins 2021 homeless count to better allocate resources for housing, services

CHICAGO (WLS) -- An effort is underway to determine how many people are homeless in Chicago.

RELATED: Veteran-owned soap company gives back by helping the homeless

Chicago's Department of Family and Support Services began its annual point-in-time assessment Wednesday morning.

Data from the count is used to help determine areas of needs and to allocate resources for housing and services.

RELATED: 'The least interesting thing about the youth that we serve is that they're homeless,' Covenant House Illinois raises awareness for youth homelessness in Chicago

In 2020, the city found more than 5,000 people living on the streets or in shelters. That is a 2% increase from the previous year.