What is the Point In Time count and why do we do it each year?

Late in January each year, the county conducts a census of people who are unsheltered (living outside, in a tent, or in a car), staying in an emergency shelter, or staying in transitional housing. This is known as the Point in Time (PIT) count. PIT provides a statistical snapshot of homelessness in our community and helps us understand trends and needs. It is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and by Washington state law.

Council for the Homeless coordinates the PIT by organizing outreach teams who divide Clark County into counting zones. The teams locate people, conduct a survey, and invite them to Project Homeless Connect, our community’s one-day service event that always occurs that same day. To learn more or to volunteer for an outreach team, contact Dale Whitley at dwhitley@councilforthehomeless.org