News & Information

The Point-in-Time Count (PIT)

What is the Point-in-Time Count?

The Point-in-Time Count, or “PIT”, is an annual count of all persons experiencing homelessness on a single night. The PIT takes place nationwide, and is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). During the PIT Count there is a large-scale community-wide effort to identify folks experiencing homelessness that may not otherwise be counted, namely those that are unsheltered, or living on the street or in a place not meant for habitation (such as a car or abandoned building). In Minnesota, we also count those that are doubled up (which means they are “couch hopping” or temporarily staying with family or friends).

The PIT illuminates the impact we as a community are having on reducing and ending homelessness (similar to a census). While it isn’t feasible to count every single person experiencing homelessness every day, counting on the same set of days each year provides a snapshot for comparison over time. Consistent questions asked every year across the state help us examine trends, watch for changes, and help better understand how to target resources.

Here are some ways PIT data is used:

* At a national level by HUD and other agencies that fund Homeless Services initiatives

* At the state level to inform Minnesota’s statewide plan to prevent and end homelessness

* By regions (each known as a Continuum of Care) and individual agencies to make plans for addressing homelessness

* By the media and by research groups The counties in our region area again taking action to get everyone counted.

Please help by sharing this information. See the attached flyers for details on how people can get counted!

 Benton-Stearns PIT County Flyer

 Wright County PIT Flyer Flyer

 Sherburne County PIT Flyer