Point in Time Count
What is a Point in Time Count?
Point-in-Time (PiT) Counts are a community-level measure of sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. It also provides a national picture of homelessness.
PiT Counts are comprised of two components:
- A PiT Count Enumeration
A PiT Count enumeration is an estimate of the number of people experiencing homelessness within a determined geographical area on a single night. It also identifies the location where they spent the night: in shelters, transitional housing, or unsheltered locations.
- A Survey on Homelessness
The Survey on Homelessness includes a set of standardized survey questions that are administered directly to individuals experiencing homelessness. Respondents include those in shelters, transitional housing, health and correctional systems, unsheltered locations, and hidden homeless (e.g. people who are “couch surfing”). The survey collects information on the characteristics and experiences of people affected by homelessness to help community organizations and all orders of government better understand and serve individuals experiencing homelessness in Canada.
How can communities use the information?
Communities can use the information collected through a PiT Count to:
- Identify populations that are over-represented among people experiencing homelessness
- Better understanding of the pathways to homelessness to strengthen prevention services in those areas
- Build collaboration within the homelessness-serving sector and across other sectors to target investments where they are most needed
- Garner support from the public to work together toward the goal of ending homelessness
- Direct resources to areas of greatest need
When is the next PiT Count?
The next PiT Count is scheduled for the fall of 2024
Which communities in PEI will this include?
The PiT Count will cover all three geographical regions on the island.
For more information please contact the John Howard Society of PEI