Point-in-Time Count January 2011

What Does It Mean to Count Homeless People? A “count” = collecting information about the sheltered and unsheltered homeless population in your community Data on the number of homeless people + Descriptive information on those counted Demographic Service Use Needs = Point-in-time count 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!

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resources You have not lived a perfect day...unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you. ~ Ruth Smeltzer