Point-in-Time Count

The Point-in-Time Count, often called the “PIT,” is a once-a-year effort to understand how many people in our communities are experiencing homelessness on a single night. 

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The PIT Count helps communities better understand the needs and gaps related to homelessness. We use this information to guide our planning, including determining how to best use existing resources, identifying what additional resources are needed, and developing strategies to end homelessness across the CoC.

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A key part of the PIT Count is outreach to people who may not be connected to shelters or services. This includes people staying outside or in places not meant for habitation, such as vehicles or abandoned buildings. In the NE CoC and some other Minnesota CoCs, the count also includes people who are temporarily staying with friends or family, sometimes called “doubled up” or “couch hopping.”