More than 20 volunteers with ties to Leadership Eastside participated in the One Night Count of unsheltered persons in East King County on Jan. 30.

“Being a first time participant in this event, I headed out with my team into the freezing cold and foggy night not really knowing what we would find on our search,” recalled LE member Bob Gooderl. “Participating in this effort touched me in many ways … Everyone in our community has a part to play in the strength and support of our community. And it isn’t always the large gestures or big efforts that make a change or impact. Sometimes the smallest thing like letting a person use a booth in your restaurant may seem insignificant, but your impact is really immeasurable because you were able to provide that person safety and warmth…”

Since 2006, LE class members, alumni, and board members have participated in the event.

LE project team member Penny Sweet, who also participated in the event this year, said “most of us aren’t prepared for what it feels like when you first realize you really have found homeless individuals while doing the one night count … And when you start to talk to the owners and workers of the graveyard shifts in the grocery stores, the restaurants, and emergency rooms you get the picture that there are many more homeless people.”

For more information, visit www.leadershipeastside.com.