"point-in-time"

The Housing Authority already provides apartments for 1,000 Casper families.

About 20 agencies and charities participate in the event that historically has served about 150 people during the day.

The event continues until 7 p.m. today.

Gov. Matt Mead said Thursday the canvass is an important part of the state's 10-year program to identify and address the problems of homelessness.

The 'point-in-time' count is important because it gives a number of homeless rather than guessing the magnitude of the situation.