By Lindsey Doi

ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Busses brought in the homeless from all across the county on Wednesday as the Umpqua Community Action Network conducted its annual homeless count.

Organizers say the event helps determine funding for homeless services, much of which is desperately needed in the upcoming year as organizers predict homelessness is on the rise.

"More and more familes are coming in that are homeless. We're actually seeing people that just a few years ago were homeowners, and now they're homeless because they've lost their homes, they've lost their jobs and they're out on the street," said Jody Ahlstedf of the Umpqua Community Action Network.

In addition to warm winter clothes and hot meals, the event also offered free veterinary services and food for homeless pets. Last year, about 900 homeless were counted in the area.