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Douglas County volunteers begin biannual point-in-time homelessness count
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Summary
Volunteers gathered in Douglas County for the biannual point-in-time (PIT) count to census unsheltered residents; organizers said the data will be sent to HUD and could help qualifying counties receive funding for essentials and programs.
Douglas County volunteers convened Wednesday for the county’s biannual point-in-time (PIT) count, an organizer said, aiming to tally unsheltered residents whose needs may inform federal funding decisions.
"PIT stands for point in time count, and it is a census of the unsheltered people living in our community," Speaker 1 said, explaining the purpose of the count and that the information collected will be transmitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Organizers described how the count works and why it matters. Volunteers receive area assignments and go into those parts of the county to identify people who do not have a place to sleep that night. Speaker 1 said data from qualifying counties is used to determine eligibility for financial assistance.
"Those funds could be used for providing blankets or basic necessities for our unhoused people," Speaker 1 said. The organizer added the funds could also support pathways into educational or job programs for people experiencing homelessness.
Speakers highlighted volunteer turnout as a sign of local commitment. "To be a part of this, honestly, it is, heartwarming, to be honest," Speaker 2 said, praising volunteers who came forward without solicitation.
By the end of the briefing, organizers reiterated the PIT count’s community purpose: documenting need so that resources can be targeted to people who are unsheltered. Volunteers were to proceed to their assigned areas to begin the count.
