VOLUNTEER GUIDANCEUNSHELTERED COUNT

Missouri Balance of StatePoint-in-Time Count

What is a Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count?

Definition: Count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless

persons on a single night in January

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires an annual count during odd years

Missouri Balance of State conducts one count annually each winter

Why Count?

Data collected during PIT is critical for effective planning and performance management toward the goal of ending homelessness

Counting unsheltered helps ensure that people with the highest needs are taken into account for community and state planning

Why Count?

In addition, the Point-in-Time Count:

• Provides current and accurate data on the number and characteristics of homeless individuals and families

• Provides information for policy and planning decisions at local, state, and federal levels

• Creates opportunities to connect homeless individuals and families with local resources

Benefits of Accurate Data

Communities need accurate data to:

• Make funding recommendations to elected officials

• Raise public awareness of homelessness in their communities

• Determine size and scope of homelessness in their community

• Plan for their region

Benefits of Accurate Data

HUD needs accurate data to:

• Understand the extent and nature of homelessness throughout the country

• Report to Congress on performance of programs

• Make funding decisions

• Justify funding requests to Congress

Methods for Counting Unsheltered

Simple Street Count through Observation

Street Count with Interview

Service-based Count

Simple Street Count through Observation

Easy to understand and results are easy to summarize

However, simple street counts do not provide comprehensive, in-depth information

Observation should only be used if interview is not possible or unsafe

Street Count through Face-to-face Interview

More advanced method than observation

Interviews give organizers more information about unsheltered homeless people

Ensures better data – avoids duplication and helps to differentiate people who are chronically homeless and those who are not

Service Based Count

Another method for counting is using service programs who do not provide overnight beds that may connect with homeless populations not readily accessed in public places

Examples include: school district homeless liaisonsdrop-in centersstreet outreach teamssoup kitchenswarming shelters

When Volunteers are Needed

The time period for data collection:

• Wednesday January 28,2015- evening/sunseto “Where will you sleep tonight?”

• All surveys by sunrise/mid-morning January 29,2015o “Where did you sleep last night?”

When to Count

January 28,2014

January 29,2014

The date of the count The night of the count

Methods for Counting Unsheltered

Simple Street Count through Observation

Street Count with Interview

Service-based Count

Simple Street Count through Observation

Easy to understand and results are easy to summarize

However, simple street counts do not provide comprehensive, in-depth information

Observation should only be used if interview is not possible or unsafe

Street Count through face-to-face Interview

More advanced method than observation

Interviews give organizers more information about unsheltered homeless people

Ensures better data – avoids duplication and helps to differentiate people who are chronically homeless and those who are not

Volunteer Responsibilities

Responsibilities will vary with different County Leaders

Prepare for the count by:• Reviewing all forms located here:

http://www.mo-ich.org/14.html

• Verify your coverage zone• Preparing your “tool kit”• Collaborating with county leaders

Volunteer Responsibilities

Perform the count by: Assisting the County Leader with delivering

surveys to complete service based counts to programs who provide supportive services

Completing surveys with homeless individuals and families

Making sure all completed survey forms are received by the County Leader in a timely manner

Who to Count

Unsheltered Homeless Definition• “Individuals and families with a primary

nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground”

https://www.hudexchange.info/hdx/guides/pit-hic/

Other Types of Housing Situations

Doubled-Up Populations• Although persons temporarily staying with family

and friends are not reported on the Federal Count, information regarding this population is used in the Annual Report and other sources

Hotel/Motel• If the location is being paid for by someone other

than the individual, notify your County Lead of these places, as they should be counted on the Sheltered Count

Survey FormInstructions

Detailed Survey Instructions can be found at:

http://mo-ich.org/14.html

Reminders for Counting

Please stay within your comfort level

We would like for each survey to be completed as fully as possible, but understand that we cannot ask volunteers to put themselves or others in danger or an uncomfortable setting

Respect the privacy and wishes of those being surveyed• Remind them that this survey is voluntary and will not result in denial of

service• Thank everyone for their time

Explain why we are completing the survey forms• Introduce yourself and explain why we are collecting this information

Be sure to explain that the information collected is confidential

Remember, If you are out at camps, these are peoples’ homes

Safety Considerations

Always go out in teams, never go out aloneDo not push anyone to complete the surveyUse caution when approaching campsDo not physically go into a structure/tent or

abandoned buildingAnnounce yourself, and explain why you are outListen to what your body is telling you: If the

situation doesn’t feel right, don’t do it

What You Will Need

Flashlight Cell phone List of phone numbers

County Leader MHDC staff Other volunteers

Clipboard Pens Survey forms Survey Instructions Detail of what areas you will be counting Comfortable shoes Bottled water and snacks Donations and local resource sheet to hand out

Questions/Reminders

Be sure you sign a Volunteer Release Form and return it to your County Leader prior to volunteering

Please get in touch with your County Leader if you have any questions

If you need further assistance contact Alyssa Murphy at MHDC. Telephone:816-759-6636 Email: amurphy@mhdc.com