Homelessness census aims to guide resource allocation in IndianapolisINDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention on Monday night was conducting its yearly homelessness census. Volunteers took to the streets to count how many people in Indianapolis are experiencing homelessness. The count is federally mandated and has been required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development since 2005. Along with the count, volunteers carry clothing, hygiene items and other supplies. Volunteer Aaron Shaw said, “Out there on the streets, they run into a lot of issues and a lot of chaos and problems.