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Point-in-Time Count January 2011

The Point-in-Time Count (PIT) is an essential method for collecting data on both sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations within a community. By gathering descriptive information about demographics, service use, and needs, communities can identify service gaps, generate resources, and make informed decisions. Challenges in rural areas, such as lack of shelters and limited resources, require innovative solutions like engaging local agencies and utilizing community volunteers. This guide emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and collaboration for effective data collection.

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Point-in-Time Count January 2011

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  1. Point-in-Time CountJanuary 2011

  2. What Does It Mean to Count Homeless People? A “count” = collecting information about the sheltered and unsheltered homeless population in your community • Descriptive • information on • those counted • Demographic • Service Use • Needs Point-in-time count of homeless people Data on the number of homeless people + = It is possible just to do a count, but preferable to gather descriptive information, too - it will make your count much more valuable and informative!

  3. Why is the PIT Important? • Identify gaps in services • Generates resources for the community • Local data for planning & measuring progress • Data is reported in CoC application • AHAR to Congress • HUD Data Exchange System (HDX)

  4. Data Collected • Subpopulation Information required for CoC • Chronically homeless • Severely mentally ill • Chronic substance abuse • Veterans • Persons with HIV/AIDS • Victims of domestic violence • Unaccompanied youth (Under 18) • Persons with physical disabilities

  5. Additional Data • Medical care • Transportation issues • Education • Employment • Childcare • Locality of homelessness

  6. Methods for Data Collection • Provider data collection • Total number of households and persons residing in facilities on the night of the count • Number in each of the seven subpopulation categories • Client level data collection • Staff complete individual surveys for each client using case management records or their knowledge of the client • CoC staff, volunteers, or program staff interview clients directly

  7. Challenges for Rural Areas • Lack of shelters • Where to look for unsheltered homeless people • Remoteness • Availability of staff and volunteer resources • Belief that there are no, or very few, unsheltered homeless • Limited resources/funding

  8. Overcoming Challenges • Engage local departments of social services • Call upon local colleges and universities • Utilize the faith community • Make contact with local jails • Mail carriers • Contact mental health agencies/community service boards • You may even want to contact local hotel owners that may know of people who stay periodically

  9. When to Start. . . • At least 6 months prior to January due date • Train volunteers • Conduct a trial run for unsheltered count with emphasis on engaging street homeless • Meet with service providers • Review prior year’s survey for inconsistencies

  10. Your Survey Tool • Keep the survey instrument simple • Collect universal data elements (race, gender, ethnicity) • Develop key codes to ensure there is no duplication

  11. Resources • www.hudhre.gov • http://www.hudhre.info/documents/counting_unsheltered.pdf • http://www.hudhre.info/documents/counting_sheltered.pdf You have not lived a perfect day...unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you. ~ Ruth Smeltzer

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