What is PIT?
"The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January."
https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/hdx/pit-hic/
Why do we Count?
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, "Point-in-time counts are important because they establish the dimensions of the problem of homelessness and help policymakers track progress toward ending homelessness.
The first of these counts was conducted in January 2005, meaning that we have data for every region for the last ten years. Collecting data on homelessness and tracking progress can inform public opinion, increase public awareness, and attract resources that will lead to the eradication of the problem".
This means that when you go out to count the unsheltered individuals on January 31st, your collected data will be used to make informed decisions that have the power to reduce homelessness in Monterey & San Benito Counties.
For this we need as many volunteers as we can to count unsheltered residents on January 31, 2024, 5AM-10AM.
Prior to January 31st, you’ll receive a link to download the smartphone survey we’ll be using and a link to a short training. Please download the app and complete the training during the indicated timeframe. On the day of the count, your team will hop in the car and arrive at a regional deployment centers throughout the County. You will then cover your assigned route during the designated window, using the smartphone app to do a visual tally count of those you see. Don’t worry! You’ll get virtual training on how to download and use the app, as well as how to conduct all other aspects of the count. The app automatically reports everything you note back to our researchers, allowing you to remain in your vehicle and visually count everything from a safe, socially distanced place. One person in the vehicle will drive while one or more others reports on the phone things they see like tents, people sleeping, etc. You’ll drive a special route assigned to your team and report everything you see during a four-hour window.
Once you cover your entire route, you will return to your deployment center and a County coordinator/organizer will check to ensure you uploaded everything correctly and you have nothing supplemental to report - then you’re done!
Things you’ll need for the count:
- A charged smartphone
- A vehicle
- The knowledge you’re doing important work!
- Volunteers will be asked to work in teams and drive all assigned routes from approximately 5:00 to 9:00 for (unless otherwise notified) on the morning of January 31, 2024.
For questions, please contact alex@appliedsurveyresearch.org or call (877) 728-4545.
Registration Link:
https://asr.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5o3HNbqivGe9CM6?Q_CHL=qr
