POINT-IN-TIME COUNT
“Helping, fixing, and serving represent three different ways of seeing life.
When you help, you see life as weak. when you fix, you see life as broken.
When you serve, you see life as whole. Fixing and helping may be the work of the ego,
and service the work of the soul.” ― Rachel Naomi Remen
What is the Point-In-Time Count?
The annual national Point-In-Time Count is an initiative championed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On a Thursday in late January of each year, thousands of volunteers across the country gather to count and survey all of the homeless in the United States. The results of this Count are used to determine federal funding for housing and homelessness program funding for the next year.
Locally, I served as the regional PIT Lead and am responsible for conducting the annual effort for Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties. I work with the Texas Homeless Network to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers throughout the region. Partnerships are developed with local non-profit, governmental, and religious organizations in order to ensure a successful count.
2024 Southeast Texas PIT Count
Total Individuals Counted for Region: 552
2023 Southeast Texas PIT Count
Total Individuals Counted for Region: 382
2022 Southeast Texas PIT Count
Total Individuals Counted for Region: 229
Total Includes:
Adults: 207
Young Adults: 8
Children: 22
2020 Southeast Texas PIT Count
Key successes include:
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Establishing localized Area Leads for Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, Mid-Jefferson County, and Hardin County.
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Recruiting, training, and supervising 72 volunteers from community organizations and concerned citizens.
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Partnering with Southeast Texas Food Bank to provide shelf stable food bags for 300 homeless throughout the region.
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Partnering with local social groups to provide new socks for 300 homeless individuals.
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Partnering with local restaurants to feed volunteers.
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Organizing six shifts of volunteers beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m.
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Securing donations of PIT Crew t-shirts, hand sanitizer, and other supplies to promote volunteer visibility and safety.
