The Homelessness Planning Council on Thursday approved the methodology for the annual point‑in‑time (PIT) count, opting for a full‑county census and added outreach to emergency rooms.

Speaker 11, who presented the plan, said the count will survey all sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness across Davidson County rather than relying on a sample. "We will be doing a full census count of the of Davidson County," the presenter said, and reported about 24 teams and 115 volunteers registered so far. The council was told the team will use the Hyperion data collection tool that was used last year.

The presenter described a major methodology addition this year: teams dedicated to visiting emergency rooms twice during the night to count people who are in hospitals for shelter or warmth and therefore may be eligible for PIT inclusion. The presentation also noted a kickoff event at the Nashville Rescue Mission and a recorded volunteer training.

Council members asked practical questions about weather cancellations and backup dates. The presenter said only severe weather that makes it unsafe for volunteers would trigger cancellation; the presentation included both January 22 (presenter) and a backup date of January 29. Later in the meeting, the motion to approve the methodology referenced January 23. Because the transcript contains those different date references, the council’s approved methodology covers a late‑January count with dates referenced in the meeting as January 22, January 23 and a backup of January 29.

After brief discussion the chair called for a motion to approve the stated methodology; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. No recorded roll‑call tally was provided.

The council was also encouraged to recruit more volunteers: the presenter said volunteers continue to drop out and asked members to email her if they could sign up. The presenter concluded that the office will follow up with additional details and final logistics ahead of the late‑January count.