As we continue to navigate the ongoing challenges of those experiencing homelessness within our community, we need to gather accurate data to understand the scope of the issue and direct our efforts where they are needed most. That’s why the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is so crucial. Each year, on one day during the last ten days of the month of January, the House of Urban Development (HUD) requires this nationwide count, giving us a snapshot of homelessness in our community and across the country. It helps us see the faces behind the statistics and ensures that people experiencing homelessness don’t go overlooked.
This year, the PIT Count for Michigan City and surrounding areas will take place in late January, and we want to share why this count matters and how you can get involved in making a difference.
What is the PIT Count?
The Point-in-Time Count is an annual census of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Led by local community organizations, volunteers and service providers conduct the count in the streets, shelters, and other places where people might be experiencing homelessness. The goal is to gather accurate, timely data on the number of people who are homeless on a single night.
This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about understanding the realities of homelessness and how it’s affecting our community. The data gathered through the PIT Count helps determine the need for services, programs, and funding. It’s a vital part of the process that ensures resources are allocated appropriately and that we have the tools we need to address homelessness at the local, state, and national levels.
Why Does the PIT Count Matter?
Identifying Needs & Gaps in Services: Whether people are living on the streets, in emergency shelters, or experiencing hidden homelessness, the PIT Count gives an overview of homelessness in our community. This count assists in understanding the most crucial services and the areas in which service providers, such as ourselves, should allocate resources. For instance, if we observe a rise in the number of homeless veterans or families with children, we can modify our programs to serve these populations better.
Securing Funding for Homeless Services: The information gathered from the PIT Count is essential for obtaining funding for programs and assistance for those experiencing homelessness. This information is used by the federal government and local agencies to decide how much money should go to each community and where resources should be directed. In essence, the PIT Count is the instrument that helps guarantee Michigan City gets the money required to keep providing essential meals, housing, and assistance to the homeless.
Tracking Trends Over Time: By conducting the PIT Count annually, we can track changes in homelessness over time. This data allows us to see trends, such as whether the homeless population is increasing or decreasing and whether certain populations – such as youth, veterans, or those with disabilities – are being disproportionately affected. Tracking these changes gives us valuable insights into how homelessness is evolving and how we can adapt our approach to make the greatest impact.
Raising Awareness: Homelessness can frequently be imperceptible. People who are experiencing homelessness can sometimes be found in cars, camping in parks or wooded areas, on the streets, or couch-surfing with loved ones. The PIT Count helps bring exposure to this issue by ensuring that the experiences of those without stable homes are counted and understood. It’s a significant chance for the general public and decision-makers to acknowledge homelessness as a reality that many individuals deal with on a daily basis – and it motivates action in the direction of solutions.
Reflecting on the PIT Count: What We’ve Learned and How You Can Continue to Make a Difference
With PIT Count season upon us, we want to take a moment to reflect on the impact this important event has on our community and what comes next. While the count itself is a one-night snapshot, the work it represents continues long after the data is collected. This year’s PIT Count helps us better understand the scope of homelessness in Michigan City and drives the conversations and actions necessary to support those in need year-round.
While you may have missed volunteering or participating in the count this time around, there are still many ways you can help ensure the findings from the PIT Count translate into lasting change. Here’s how you can continue to play a vital role:
- Support Local Homeless Services: Now that the PIT Count data is in, it’s time for all of us to make sure it results in the support and action our community needs. Donating to nearby shelters is one way you may help. Your support, whether in the form of donations, clothing, or other supplies, helps guarantee that those who are homeless receive the emergency treatment they require, such as food, housing, and case management services.
- Advocate for Long-Term Solutions: This count serves as a vital reminder that homelessness is an ongoing issue that impacts actual individuals. We must push for long-term solutions after the data are in, such as more financing for emergency shelters and affordable housing as well as more robust social safety nets for people and families who are at-risk of experiencing homelessness. Your voice counts. You may help bring about the change required to guarantee that everyone in Michigan City has access to secure housing and support, whether that change is accomplished through writing to elected officials, participating in community discussions, or speaking with local legislators.
- Educate and Raise Awareness: While the PIT Count offers a snapshot of homelessness on a specific night, it’s important to keep the conversation going. You can help by educating others about homelessness and the findings from the PIT Count. Share the information with your friends, family, and social media networks to keep the issue visible in our community. Awareness is the first step toward dismantling the stigma around homelessness and showing that it’s a complex issue that requires empathy, action, and understanding. When more people are informed, it becomes easier to create the kind of compassionate community that’s necessary to solve this crisis.
- Volunteer with Local Agencies Year-Round: While the PIT Count itself is a concentrated effort for one night, the need for support doesn’t end there. Many local shelters and organizations like ours need volunteers year-round. Whether you have a few hours a month or want to commit to a more regular role, volunteering your time is an impactful way to make a difference. There are countless ways to get involved and support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community.
- Engage in Ongoing Conversations: Homelessness isn’t an issue that can be solved with a single count or initiative. It’s an issue that requires ongoing dialogue and sustained effort. Stay engaged in local conversations about homelessness by attending public meetings, engaging with local nonprofits, or participating in initiatives that aim to address the root causes of homelessness. Your involvement in these conversations can help shape policy and ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard in the decisions that impact their lives.
The Human Side of Data
It’s easy to think of homelessness as a statistic – just another number in a report. But the people we count are more than data points; they are our neighbors, family members, and community members who deserve dignity, respect, and a path to stability. The PIT Count is an opportunity to acknowledge that homelessness is a reality that affects real people with unique stories, challenges, and hopes for the future.
While the count is conducted on one night, the work doesn’t stop there. The numbers we gather are merely a tool to guide our ongoing efforts. The data itself will not change the situation, action is needed and our continued passion is required to continue working toward solutions that will make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
For more information about the PIT Count or to find out how you can get involved, reach out to us today.
Let’s work together to ensure that every person experiencing homelessness is seen, counted, and given the chance to rebuild their lives.
