What is the Point-In-Time Count?

The Point-in-Time Count is an annual one-day (24 hours), statistically reliable, unduplicated count of families and individuals experiencing homelessness in the Central Sierra counties of Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne. Cities in and counties nationwide will be participating in similar counts this year and reporting the data to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 

HUD requires each region that receives federal funds through the Continuum of Care to conduct an unduplicated count of its sheltered and unsheltered homeless population. Funding is granted through the Continuum of Care to Central Sierra area agencies that provide housing and supportive services to the homeless. The data collected from the count also enables the region to assess the size and characteristics of the homeless population in order to help develop and enhance strategies for preventing and ending homelessness.

 

When is the Central Sierra CoC Point-in-Time Count

In 2024, the count will take place on Wednesday, January, 24. The date for the 2025 count will be in January and will be announced as the date draws nearer.

 

Why is it important?

The homeless count and survey will help identify who is homeless in our region and provide us with a baseline number of homeless individuals. The data collected will be useful on many levels:

• It will give our region leverage when applying for federal or private aid to maintain and/or improve service delivery to the homeless population.

• The count can be used to measure progress towards making homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring.

• It will increase public awareness of the homeless population in our region.

• It will allow agencies to improve their ability to plan and implement effective services for homeless persons.

 

How will this information be used to help homeless children and adults?

The more we know about our homeless population, the better we can serve their needs. This Point-in-Time Count is not only a chance to learn how many people are homeless and where they are located but also information about how they became homeless and what services they need to help them.

​How is the count conducted?

Teams of volunteers canvass all areas and survey people who are without shelter. Shelter and transitional housing providers also provide client data for the same day.

​How do I volunteer to help with the count?

Volunteers must be 18 years old and attend mandatory training. 

 

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

For more information about volunteering for the Point-in-Time Count, contact the county in which you reside below.

 

 

• Amador County – ATCAA  (209)- 223-1485  x 243

• Calaveras County- Sierra HOPE (209)-736-6792

• Tuolumne County – ATCAA  (209)-533-1397 x 238

• Mariposa County – Health and Human Services (209) 966-2000