Starting in 2007, the
Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is an annual, nationwide census led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) conducted on a single night in January to estimate the number of Americans, including Veterans, without safe, stable housing. This yearly “snapshot” helps assess the progress each year towards
President Obama’s goal of ending homelessness. Each count is planned, coordinated, and carried out locally; and, conducted by volunteer teams who canvass the designated areas to complete the census and survey the homeless. Information gathered is used to target services and inform future programming on behalf of HUD.
Eliminating homelessness, particularly among Veterans is a priority for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The Office of Warrior Care Policy (WCP) represents DoD on the
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), working in close partnership with Cabinet Secretaries and other senior leaders across
19 Federal member agencies. Together, their aim is to drive action on achieving the end of homelessness once and for all.
WCP staff members were among the volunteers for the second consecutive year, participating in counts across the DC metro area. It was an eye-opening and rewarding experience, interacting with homeless individuals and linking them with resources. Be on the lookout for information on next year’s count, and we encourage you to reach out to us at
warriorcare@osd.mil or via our
Facebook and
Twitter if you want to become a part of this important effort.