Quick Links: 2024 PIT Count | How to Participate | History of the PIT | About the PIT

Annually, every CoC in the nation performs a Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of all people experiencing homelessness in a shelter and on the street in the last 10 days of January. The PIT count offers the ability to monitor trends in homelessness across a geography, support local efforts in ending homelessness by identifying unmet needs and characteristics of persons experiencing homelessness, and identify areas where the development of housing and supportive service programs is needed. The PIT count is reliant on volunteer and agency participation. If you or your agency have an interest in taking part in the PIT Count, please email rglenn@msbos.org OR complete the steps listed below under ‘How to Participate‘.

2024 Point-In-Time Count

Here are a few FAQ regarding the count:

• When is the 24-hour PIT reference period?  January 23rd, 2024 @12:00a.m. – January 24th, 2024 @12:00a.m.
• How long can the surveys be conducted? January 23rd – January 26th, 2024
• Who do we count?– Sheltered (emergency shelter, transitional housing clients, or hotel/motels paid for by non-profit organizations) and Unsheltered (living in a place not meant for human habitation)
• How do I volunteer or arrange for others to volunteer for the PIT Count? Please respond  by email (rglenn@msbos.org), and we will arrange for quick (3-4 minute) follow-up call.

For more HUD information concerning the Point-In-Time Count visit HUD’s Resource Site, www.hudexchange.info.

Participate in Point-In-Time Count

To learn more about and join our coordinated effort to implement the Point-In-Time Count, follow the linked steps below.

Steps to Participate

Results: History of the BoS PIT Counts

Click on the following link to access Point In Time results from previous years: History of the PIT

About the PIT

The Balance of State Continuum of Care, which covers the majority of counties within the state, participates in this statewide effort in order to bring federal resources into the state to address issues of homelessness in our communities. These resources come from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Continuum of Care Process.

The Point in Time (PIT) Count greatly affects funding, both private and public, for homeless services and affects the methodology of those services.  The results of our survey are published in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress to assist in the funding decisions. A thorough count is crucial in identifying and understanding both the progress we’ve made and the gaps within our services. Mississippi Balance of State’s Count will consist of 5 Regional Coalition Counts throughout our 71-county coverage area. We believe that this would be a unique opportunity for organizations, ministries, and colleges/universities to engage our target population while providing a great service to your local community.