Point-In-Time (PIT) Count

What is it?

The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a snapshot of homeless individuals on one night each year, including both sheltered and unsheltered people. HUD requires each Continuum of Care (CoC) nationwide to conduct the PIT count in the last 10 days of January each year.

The next PIT count will take place on the night of Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Sign up here to volunteer!

Why is it important?

Our community uses the PIT count data to improve planning in many ways.

The PIT count helps obtain an accurate picture of homelessness in our area and identify unmet needs of homeless individuals.

It also increases community awareness about homelessness in the Shenandoah Valley, and collects data that agencies need for funding applications.

How does it happen?

For sheltered homeless individuals, the PIT count is conducted using the data entered into HMIS by emergency shelters and domestic violence shelters.

With the help of volunteers, the CoC collects information about unsheltered homeless individuals by using basic demographic information surveys that are conducted in the 24-hour period around one night in late January.

How can I help?

You can help the CoC get an accurate count of homeless individuals by signing up to volunteer! Volunteers are needed in Harrisonburg, Winchester, Rockingham County, Frederick County, Clarke County, Shenandoah County, Page County, and Warren County.

Volunteers are trained on how to conduct surveys in a safe and respectful manner. On the night of the PIT count, volunteers meet as teams to go together to a pre-determined geographic area, where they conduct interviews with individuals at those locations.

Sign up to volunteer on January 24-25 2024 using the online form below!

For more information, please contact the HMIS Administrator.