News & Information

What is the Point in Time Count?

The Point-In-Time Count is one of the main ways we measure homelessness in our state. It provides us with a snapshot of what homelessness looks like across Minnesota at one point in time. The Federal Government requires that each state attempt to count all people experiencing homelessness on one particular night of the year. The Federal Government also requires that every state conduct their PIT count within the last 10 days in January.

Why do the Point in Time Count?

1) It helps us to understand the scope of homelessness and identify trends so we can better target our resources, improve services, and identify gaps in service.

2) We use data to justify current and new services and programs. Data helps us tell our story and make the case for more resources. It helps build awareness, political will and political support (at the local, state and national level) to have the right programs and services funded to meet the identified need.

3) It is a Critical source of national data on the number and characteristics of people who are homeless in the U.S.

Additionally, the PIT count is the main data source used for measuring national progress in meeting the goals in Opening Doors: the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. And, PIT count data is provided to Congress on the general homeless population and subpopulations of homeless persons, including Veterans, families, chronically homeless individuals, and youth across the nation.

4) Data collected through the PIT is used as one of the main tools to measure progress on our State’s Heading Home plan to Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.

All surveys need to be turned into the site leader within 24 hours of the count. Site leaders are as follows:

Wright County: Taylor Andrews- Return forms via email at: TLA7914@co.wright.mn.us or via fax at: (763) 682-7701.

Benton and Stearns Counties: Leigh Lessard- Return forms via email at: Leigh.Lessard@co.stearns.mn.us or jwalker@ccstcloud.org or via fax at: 320-656-6220 (Attention: Leigh Lessard).

Sherburne County: Heidi Newman- Reforms via email at: hnewman@cmhp.net or vai fax at: 320-259-9590 (Attention Heidi Newman)

Please see attached documents for additional information, surveys and survey directions. You can also find some information on Project Connect’s Facebook page  here

 PIT Directions for Stearns, Benton and Sherburne Counties

 PIT Veteran Outreach

 PIT Flyer

 PIT Observation Tool

 PIT Unsheltered Survey Multiperson Family

 PIT Unsheltered Survey Single Person