Every year in January, the Jackson County Continuum of Care conducts the Point in Time Count (PIT). This count attempts to collect information on people who are residing in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs as well as those who are living in vehicles, tents or other places not meant for human habitation. The purpose of the count is to provide a snapshot of homelessness in Jackson County, connect those experiencing homelessness to area resources and support services, and to identify and rectify barriers to housing and services.

The official night of this year’s count for Jackson County is Monday, January 25. Teams of volunteers will survey individuals on the street, in camps and in their vehicles. Surveys will also be completed at various sites, such as social service agencies and food pantries from January 25 through January 31.

Staff from homeless assistance agencies and other community volunteers conduct a street count of the unsheltered population and collect data on the homeless population living in emergency shelters and transitional housing.

Along with the total number of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons, information is gathered on a wide range of characteristics such as the age, gender, race, ethnicity, veteran status and disability status of those experiencing homelessness.