The Point in Time (PIT Count) is a nationwide count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single date in January. There is a day count and a night count.

Local coordinators make sure shelters have survey forms and recruit volunteers to do interviews. Volunteers interview on the street, at shelters, and at service based organizations- including food pantries, emergency rooms, police stations, libraries, health clinics, and soup kitchens.

Once the data is compiled, a report is released. While a public places count can be subject to seasonal and other variations, the PIT count is currently the most feasible method for gathering important information on homeless individuals and families.

Housing Inventory Count (HIC)

The Housing Inventory Count (HIC) is a nationwide inventory of housing conducted annually during the last ten days in January. The report tallies the number of beds and units available on the night designated for the count by program type in a Housing Inventory Chart. The report includes beds dedicated to serve persons who are homeless as well as persons in Permanent Supportive Housing.

This snapshot of housing inventory illustrates the demand for housing on a state and national level.