Everyone Counts! Partnering to Ensure Survivors Are Included in the Point-in-Time Count

According to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD):

“The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is an annual count of all people experiencing homelessness within a geographic area. The goal of the PIT count is to gather a ‘point-in-time’ snapshot of a community’s current state of homelessness, including details about various homeless populations (incl. survivors of domestic and sexual violence). Each year, the PIT count is paired with a housing inventory, where communities report on the beds and units dedicated to serving persons experiencing homelessness.”

Advocates understand that survivors face significant barriers to securing safe, stable and affordable housing. In fact, participants in OCADSV’s 2018 needs assessment reported that housing is the top unmet need for survivors in Oregon. How do we ensure survivors’ unique needs are taken seriously and that adequate resources are available in our communities? It begins by making sure they’re reflected in key data like the Point-in-Time Count which shapes HUD’s critical funding allocations.

OCADSV is here to help you work with PIT Count administrators in your community to ensure homeless survivors’ data is collected safely and effectively. HUD strongly encourages local Continuums of Care to collaborate with domestic and sexual violence programs to design and implement the PIT Count. Attached are some helpful fact sheets about the PIT Count and recommended practices related to counting survivors.

OCADSV wants to hear how the PIT Count goes in your community! We’re asking you to pay close attention to how the PIT Count is implemented at the end of January, and to share your observations with us. Look for a brief survey we’ll be sending you in early February to capture your PIT Count experiences. Your real, on-the-ground feedback will help us advocate at the State level to ensure that PIT Counts effectively capture survivors’ needs and that funding for critical housing programs continues to grow.

In the meantime, we’re here to be of assistance to you!

  • Contact Hilary Levine (hilary@ocadsv.org) if you have questions about the PIT, Coordinated Entry or other housing matters.
  • Want to connect with other domestic & sexual advocates to discuss your housing experiences, challenges &/or share housing resources? Join our new listserv by emailing Kathym@ocadsv.org 
Author / Source

Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

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