Q: What is the Point-In-Time (PIT) Count?
A: The PIT count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires Continuum of Cares (CoCs) to conduct a PIT count at least every 2 years during the last 10 days of January. Due to the increase in COVID cases in the County, the 2022 count will be conducted during the last 10 days of February.
Each count is planned, coordinated, and carried out locally.
Q: Why is the PIT Count important?
A: We can’t understand homelessness if we don’t understand the scope of the problem.
The PIT count allows policymakers to increase awareness of the problem and secure resources that will lead to the reduction of homelessness.
Nationally, the PIT count informs the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress letting our policymakers know the extent of the problem.
Locally, the PIT count helps our county plan services to appropriately address local needs and track progress.
Q: How can you help?
A: Every two years in late January, we engage volunteers to help count the number of people who are unsheltered and living outdoors. The 2022 PIT count will be conducted on the morning of February 23rd, 2022.
This year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working to ensure maximum safety for all participants. This means that the upcoming PIT count will look different than past years, including a shift to virtual trainings, limited volunteer team size, plenty of pre-count communication and planning, and virtual deployment.
To volunteer for the 2022 PIT count on the morning of February 23rd, 2022, please click on the link below:
https://asr.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6KYX5TPz9z91X4F
Any questions, please email SS_HomelessServices@co.slo.ca.us
