Kansas City PIT Donations and New Date
To effectively respond to homelessness, we must understand the size and scope of the problem. To do this, communities are tasked with quantifying the number of people experiencing sheltered or unsheltered homelessness, and identifying specific characteristics of homeless populations. This process is called PIT or Point In Time Count.
When is the Point In Time Count this year?
“More Than a Number,” Kansas City’s Point In Time Count for 2022, was originally scheduled to take place from Jan. 26-27, 2022. Due to the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases throughout the population this winter, we (with approval from HUD) decided to reschedule PIT in Kansas City for March 2-3, 2022.
Why is PIT important?
There are many reasons why it’s important to assess the current local homeless population’s numbers. The most immediate result of PIT is an increase in HUD funding that goes directly back to helping the community and ending homelessness. In addition to monetary assistance, PIT allows us a chance to talk to the homeless community in our home city and learn what they need and how we can better assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
How we use PIT as “More Than a Number”
This year, GKCCEH has made it our first priority to go about the Point In Time Count in such a way that treats each person experiencing homeless as just that: Not a number, but a person. We are taking advantage of the opportunity to share information about frostbite and hypothermia, connect homeless individuals to services when possible and hand out PIT Personal Care Bags that include a variety of necessary personal items.
How can you get involved with the Point In Time Count 2022?
While we do not need volunteers on the ground this year due to so many organizations participating in PIT 2022, we are in need of donations and word of mouth.
- You can donate supplies for Personal Care bags here.
- You can learn more about PIT here.
- And you can help us spread the word that PIT 2022 is now taking place on March 2-3, 2022!
