Overview
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The annual Point-in-Time Count (PIT) is census conducted during the last seven days of each January to produce “statistically reliable, unduplicated counts or estimates of homeless persons in sheltered and unsheltered locations at a one-day point in time.”
Since 1991, the Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless has coordinated the annual point-in-time census that provides the one-day snapshot of the county’s homeless population. The data gathered from the surveys help service providers, community leaders and elected officials insure that sufficient services are provided to meet the growing needs of these homeless families and individuals.
This data also helps to dispel false notions about homelessness. “Many people have in mind a stereotypical picture of an alcohol-addicted vagrant in tattered clothes sleeping in a doorway or on a park bench. However, the homeless census reveals that the face of homelessness now includes more families with children, nontraditional family types and a greater number of working poor households,” stated Sarah Snyder, the Coalition’s executive director. “It is important that we reach every homeless person so that we can assist them to regain self-sufficiency.”
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires a “Point-in-Time Count of Homeless Persons” across the country. Communities need accurate data on homelessness to determine the size and scope of the homeless problem at the local level, plan services and programs appropriately to address local needs, measure progress in addressing homelessness, and measure performance of individual programs and the system as a whole. HUD needs data to understand the extent and nature of homelessness throughout the country, to make funding decisions and more.
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[TOP]
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Snapshot
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The 2009 count revealed that on any given day in Pinellas County 6,235 men, women, and children are homeless—an increase of 20% over the 2007 count. The biggest increase is among women and children--34% of the homeless are women (compared to 20.5% in 2007), and 31.2% are children (compared to 18.5% in 2007). While there was a decrease in the number of chronically homeless persons counted, there was a significant increase in the number of individuals and families homeless for the first time. There was also an 82.7% increase in the number of unsheltered homeless individuals and families. Most of the people counted were residents of the county prior to becoming homeless; 67% of those who moved here became homeless after coming to Pinellas County. There was a dramatic increase in job loss and the lack of income as the primary contributing factor for the loss of housing; 86.3% of survey respondents checked this category as their primary reason for becoming homeless.
To review the data and findings from the most recent PIT count, please click here.
For statistical highlights from the 2009 PIT count, please click here.
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- The total number of homeless persons--6,235--reflects a 20% increase from 2007
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- Reflects a significant increase in the number of females and in the number of homeless families
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- Reflects an increase in all categories except Caucasian, which decreased by 5% from 2007
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- Reflects a significant increase in youth homelessness; a larger percentage of 44-55 year olds are among the unsheltered homeless
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- More of the unsheltered respondents stated that they normally stay in Pinellas County than in 2007; increases in mid- and north-county locations
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- The number of homeless children under age 18 reflects an increase of 102% from 2007
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HUD requires CoCs to base homeless population and subpopulation estimates on local data stored in Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) or manually collected through shelter and street counts. This year in Pinellas County, we used both methods in order to get the most accurate count possible. The ideal we are moving toward is to have a fully implemented HMIS with several years’ worth of reliable data, the population and subpopulation information required for Exhibit 1 of the CoC application, as well as additional data on client characteristics needed for effective program planning, will be available on demand from the HMIS without the need for manual surveys. Accurate and complete data enables the CoC to submit more competitive applications for HUD and non-HUD funding.
Each year, on the fourth Monday in January, beginning at 4 a.m., representatives from scores of social service agencies, aided by hundreds of volunteers, spread throughout Pinellas County to conduct a manual count and survey of homeless people. They count and survey people in traditional service locations such as soup kitchens and day labor sites and in “street” sites such as encampments, parks and along railways. In all, approximately 500 volunteers are needed to visit nearly 350 sites to insure that every person experiencing homelessness is counted and their needs documented.
Frequently, “incentives” are needed to secure the participation of homeless individuals in the survey and count. To encourage their participation and reward their cooperation, concerned organizations and businesses donate daily survival items such as gift certificates for food, socks, jackets, t-shirts, and “ditty” bags containing personal hygiene items.
The PIT is a collaborative effort led by PCCH and involves a number of private and public agencies, businesses, congregations, service clubs and individual volunteers (homeless and non-homeless). These collaborative partners play vital roles to help make the PIT a rewarding experience for respondents and volunteers alike.
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VOLUNTEER SURVEYORS
Number Needed: 500+
Role: Interview homeless individuals and families found on the street about their homeless experience.
COLLECTION SITE VOLUNTEER
Number Needed: 36
Role: Customer service staff are needed at the collection sites to help the teams with returning with forms. These folks must be available to answer questions and direct surveyors were needed.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Number Needed: 1 – 3
Role: Recruits, coordinates and assigns volunteers. This person will also assist with volunteer training.
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