"It's very humbling:" Milwaukee police, volunteers team up to count the city's homeless

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee police and volunteers teamed up Wednesday, January 28th in an effort to count Milwaukee's homeless.

"This is one of the bigger encampments. A lot of people drive over it all the time and they never know it's here," Milwaukee Police Department Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) Officer Chad Stiles said.

Officer Stiles helped to lead a group Wednesday evening under the interstate, beneath bridges, and among construction. Underneath I-43 near Becher Street, the group found two men, covered in blankets. They call this spot home.

Volunteers filled out a quick survey, and Officer Stiles handed over a bag of supplies -- letting them know of shelters available in the area.

At a nearby warming shelter at Desatar Ministry, Edwin Valentin handed out clothes and food Wednesday night.

"It's good to take the time to ask 'hey, what happened?' Yes, they might have a choice, but there is a story behind it," Valentin said.

"It's very humbling. It kind of makes you realize that sometimes any one of us could be put into a position like this," Officer Stiles said.

When the count is complete, the numbers help to determine things like funding for outreach programs. Volunteers say the most important thing is making a connection and trying to help.

The count continues overnight, through 7:00 a.m. Thursday.