Point-in-Time Committee
Chair: Jessica Polzin, jessica@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 PIT Count date is to be determined.
Who is counted in 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 three trainings. Please register to receive the meeting details via centralvacoc@gmail.com.
Tuesday, January 19 at 10am at the Pearson Cancer Center
Thursday, January 21 at 11am virtual
Monday, January 25 at 2pm virtual
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.