WPRO News and the Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Nearly 400 volunteers will spread out across Rhode Island this week to conduct the most extensive survey to date of the state’s homeless population to figure out why they don’t have a place to live.

The survey’s questions range from mental health history to whether homeless people engage in fulfilling activities rather than just surviving. Past surveys simply counted the number of homeless.

Homeless advocates hope the survey will help to better connect people with the appropriate services and housing options.

The volunteers will go out on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights to administer the survey to people living outside and in emergency homeless shelters.

Rhode Island is among 67 states and communities participating in Zero: 2016, a national campaign to end veteran and chronic homelessness in the next two years.