The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is an annual count of people experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness carried out on one night in January. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides guidance on PIT data collection methodology, and the Department of Commerce leads the data collection and reporting for all counties within the Balance of State CoC. The PIT is executed by staff and volunteers within local county governments or designated lead agencies. Data collected through the PIT is reported to HUD and used to inform policy, advance advocacy efforts, and understand the unique landscape of homelessness in Washington State.
The Housing Inventory Count (HIC) is conducted in addition to the Point-in-Time (PIT) count. The HIC is a count of all available beds for people who are unhoused and the occupancy of those beds on the same night the PIT count is conducted. This information is pulled from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and reported to HUD in addition to PIT data.
2025 PIT Count
The 2025 Point-in-Time Count will be conducted on January 30, 2025. Supporting documents for planning a successful PIT are in the link below, including updated guides, training materials, PIT Coordinator contact list, and more. This link will be kept updated throughout the PIT process.