FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The United Way of Allen County will be holding its annual census of homeless in the county on Thursday.

The “Point in Time” count will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission on West Superior Street. It will also be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fort Wayne Urban league on South Hanna Street.

Jay Hampton with the United Way of Allen County says homelessness continues to be on the rise. “In 2014, we saw about 445 people. In 2015, we saw 586 (homeless).”

Flu mist from Parkview Community Health will be available for the homeless at each location from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Hampton says backpacks, sleeping bags, coats and hygiene items will be available, along with a free meal.

Street teams will also go around Fort Wayne starting at 6 a.m. Thursday to get a head count of the homeless.