PANAMA CITY--- A 24-hour count is now underway, that could mean more money to help the homeless.

Every Tuesday and Thursday night you'll find hundreds of homeless people gathered behind the law offices of Carroll McCauley near McKenzie Park for a warm meal.

There was food available this Thursday night too, but there was an additional mission.

Hunger and Homeless Coalition volunteers are trying to get an accurate count of Bay County's homeless population.

The total could mean more federal grant money for the coalition.

Rick Dye's supervised this same homeless census every year for the last 10 years.

"You certainly have to have a calling for this and as a christian I do," says Dye.

He also says there are many misconceptions about homelessness.

People automatically lump the homeless into one group, rather than taking time to understand their individual situations.

"It really would help if some of the viewers could get involved and try to build some relationships with homeless people and speak to the homeless people and help their self esteems to try to get them going again," says Dye.

Unlike some, the economy didn't force this man onto the streets. He chooses to be homeless.

"I've got a trailer in Fort Myers, but the problem is I don't want to go there because all of my friends are here I love my homeless people," says Richard Spanos.

Then there's this woman, who's living in the woods after a tragic turn of events.

"My husband had a massive stroke so he could no longer walk or talk and I took care of him until this past year when he passed away and after that I basically became homeless," says Renate Menge.

Many of the stories are sad, but there is also hope mixed with the tragedy during these Tuesday and Thursday nights of food and fellowship.

"I just got back from Orlando, Florida to the Hyatt down there and taught by the best chef in the world and my references are now outstanding and hopefully I'm working at the Marriot until I get back to New Orleans when the Hyatt opens up there. So you're hoping to get a job in New Orleans? I'm not hoping I already know the top man at Hyatt who says I'm putting you so it's a matter of succeeding where I gave up so many times and lost hope and the hope came here," says Michael Paul Oleksy.

Dye says it's this hope, mixed with his faith, that inspires him to help the most needy in our society.

If you would like to get involved with the Hunger and Homeless Coalition's efforts give them a call, 850-215-9066.