Point-in-Time Committee
Chair: Sarah Fuentes, sarahfuentes@miriamshouse.org
Plans and implements the annual Point in Time Count according to HUD guidelines while working closely with the HMIS Lead to prepare, organize, and submit the data to HUD.
What is the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count?
It is a mandated, unduplicated snapshot of the homeless population in a community on a specific night, encompassing both those residing in shelters and those without shelter.
When is the PIT Count?
HUD requires the count during the last 10 days of January. In Virginia, all Continuums of Care (CoCs), conduct their winter PIT count on the same day, ensuring accuracy and preventing duplication. The central Virginia CoC will begin counting in the early morning of Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Who is in the is the PIT Count?
The count includes sheltered homeless individuals in emergency and domestic violence shelters, as well as unsheltered homeless individuals outdoors or in locations not intended for human habitation.
How is the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count conducted?
Data from emergency shelters is generated using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and domestic violence data is reported through aggregate survey sheets. For unsheltered homeless individuals, volunteers collect surveys, gathering basic demographic information for each person and household.
To participate in the day-of count, you must attend one of the two trainings. Please register to receive the meeting details via centralvacoc@gmail.com.
Monday, January 22rd at 12pm
Tuesday, January 23rd at 10am
Why is the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count conducted?
The count serves planning purposes, provides an accurate picture of homelessness, identifies unmet needs, obtains data for funding applications, raises community awareness, encourages involvement, and acts as a tool for advocacy.
