Point in Time Count

The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness. HUD requires CoCs nationwide to conduct the count during the last 10 days of January.

We have made the decision to conduct the unsheltered PIT count every other year to provide more time to analyze the data and make informed decisions about updating priorities in the Continuum of Care (CoC). By conducting the PIT count less frequently, we will have more time to thoroughly review the data, identify trends, and discuss recommendations for updating priorities within the CoC. This can lead to more effective strategies for addressing homelessness and allocating resources.

It's important to ensure that even though the PIT count is conducted less frequently, there are still mechanisms in place to monitor homelessness trends and respond to emerging needs in the off years. Regular data collection and analysis throughout the year will help provide insights into evolving challenges and inform proactive approaches.

Overall, taking this step will allow for a more comprehensive and deliberate approach to addressing homelessness within our community. We will have the next unsheltered count in 2026.  The sheltered count will continue to happen each year. 

 

Tools for Volunteers

2026 Point-in-Time Count (PIT)

Stay tuned for more details

2024 Point-in-Time Count (PIT)

Community/County Coordinators have been identified and are contacting volunteers

Charleston: Shelli Clark

North Charleston: Brandon Lilienthol

Colleton: Amanda Herndon

Jasper: Jennifer Coleman

Beaufort: Anna Ramirez

Hampton: TBD

Berkeley: TBD

Dorchester: TBD

What is the Point-in-Time Count?

The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. HUD requires that Continuums of Care conduct an annual count of people experiencing homelessness who are sheltered in emergency shelter, transitional housing, and Safe Havens on a single night. Continuums of Care also must conduct a count of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness. Each count is planned, coordinated, and carried out locally.

Why does the Point-in-Time Count matter?

Point-in-Time Count data are the primary data national estimates of homelessness. The numbers reported by your community are used by the US Interagency Council on Homelessness and all federal departments including Housing and Education. PIT Count numbers are also most often cited by local strategic plans, state, county and city government and the media.

Do you want to volunteer for the Unsheltered Count?

To register for the PIT count, please sign up here

When is training?

Training will be provided online this year. All volunteers will be sent a link to the training video on January 22. Please note that those who are new volunteers will be paired with someone who has participated before This will help with any questions you have. The training video will be sent to the email address provided when you signed up.

Point In Time Count timeline 2024

November PIT Planning Meeting

November Finalize County Coordinators

November County Coordinators begin recruiting volunteers

November County Coordinator Meeting

December Identify unsheltered county locations

December Secure donations

January Set training dates

January Begin publicizing the PIT count in areas where you will be on 1/24

January Conduct the PIT count

What is the Point in Time Count

The annual PIT count helps CoCs determine the extent of homelessness in the community and determine unmet need. 

PIT counts help communities:

  • Monitor trends in homelessness locally

  • Identify unmet needs and characteristics of those experiencing homelessness

  • Identify the need for new programs and services or re-distribution of programs and services

  • Raise awareness about homelessness

  • Measure if homelessness is being ended in a CoC

To meet HUD requirements, funded agencies are required to participate in the sheltered and unsheltered count. HUD and the CoC acknowledge that the unsheltered count will not totally reflect the exact number of those experiencing homeless in the community.

Click here for more information.

Volunteer opportunities

We are currently recruiting volunteers for the 2024 count.

Volunteer opportunities have now closed. Coordinators are now organizing the locations and groups.