What is the PIT Count?
PIT stands for “Point-in-Time,” and it’s a count of all sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness during a given moment.
Homeless service systems nationwide take part to identify the extent of homelessness throughout the country.
Why is the PIT Count important?
Continuum of Cares (CoCs) across the country conduct annual PIT Counts to identify people experiencing homelessness in their communities, like a census. This information helps assess local community needs, gaps, identify and examine trends and how to best target resources. The PIT Count also helps shape national strategy.
The PIT Count is important, but it also has its limitations. Like its name describes, the Point in Time (PIT) Count is a snapshot of one point in time, on one evening in the month of February. It only counts people who are literally homeless, not those who are couch surfing, for example.
The PIT Count is important because it shows homeless trends, and the impact communities have on reducing and ending homelessness in their communities on a yearly basis.
When is the PIT Count?
The 2022 PIT Count happens overnight starting at 10pm on Wednesday, February 23rd and ends on Thursday, February 24th at 2pm. The Office of Homeless Services will reschedule the PIT Count if there is inclement weather or conditions.
How will Philadelphia stay safe during COVID-19?
The 2022 PIT Count will look a bit different as we want to protect everyone involved. You can review the full list of safety measures at this webpage. Training and PPE will be provided.
Typically, there are two separate counts that make up the PIT Count: Street Count and Youth Count. For 2022, we’re implementing a hybrid model which’ll merge the two counts into one.
How will we conduct the PIT Count?
For 2022, Philadelphia will administer the count in three ways.
- Observational Count: Volunteers will patrol Philadelphia and conduct observational counts of visible street homeless persons from 10pm to 5am in designated zones in the city.
- Youth Count: Youth volunteers (18 to 24) will patrol Philadelphia and administer surveys with visible youth street homeless persons from 5am to 9am in designated zones in the city.
- Hot Spot Count: Drop-in sites have been identified where volunteers will administer surveys with willing participants from 11am to 2pm.
- Come and Be Counted Sites are CANCELED.
- Tele Come and Be Counted Hotline is CANCELED until further notice.
Who runs the PIT Count?
It’s a wonderful collaboration! The following groups all work together to make the volunteer event a success:
- City agencies: Office of Homeless Services (OHS) and Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS)
- Non-profit organizations
- Philadelphia neighbors
- Volunteers with lived experience
Why are volunteers important?
For any community to have a successful PIT Count, the key to success is volunteers.
Each group will have an experienced team lead to answer questions and guide. All volunteers will be provided training, so they are prepared to volunteer for the Count.
Many volunteers were once homeless themselves. Please forward this information to your networks so we can maximize volunteer participation.
How can I volunteer?
If you’re interested in volunteering for the PIT Count, please sign up at the volunteer sign up page via Survey Monkey.
Philadelphia encourages volunteers to be fully vaccinated, but will also screen volunteers for symptoms, provide personal protective equipment, and enforce social distancing.
If you have questions about volunteering, email Ashley Johnson.
