The Point-in-Time (PIT) count, a method of recording a community’s homeless population, is being held today (Wednesday, January 29).
This nationwide effort is conducted annually to help identify community members who are facing homelessness and housing insecurity. The data collected helps reflect the current needs of the county and can have an influence on future funding.
PIT Count volunteers will be asked to provide surveys to homeless community members, seeking general information to ensure they’re included in official Starke County statistics submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Volunteers will be stationed with surveys and resources at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Knox and at the North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department in North Judson today from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. CT.
If you are experiencing housing insecurity, such as sleeping in a car or tent, sleeping outside, staying somewhere considered uninhabitable, or residing in a facility or hotel that is org-funded, you are encouraged to participate in this survey.
According to HUD Exchange, literal homelessness is defined as someone who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes people whose primary nighttime residence is a public or private place not meant for human habitation, individuals exiting an institution where they’ve resided for 90 days or less who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering that institution, and those living in a publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangements. Congregate shelters, transitional housing, as well as hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations, churches, or federal, state, and local government programs are included in those institutions.
For more information about volunteering or participating, call 574-772-3665, or email starke@nicf.org.
