Strategies to Improve Point-In-Time (PIT) Counts of Unsheltered Homelessness

Abstract

The Hennepin County Office of Housing Stability requested assistance from students at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs to conduct a study about how best to reform and improve their point-in-time (PIT) count of people experiencing homelessness. The Hennepin County CoC’s PIT counts of both sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness contribute to the determination of federal funding received to support the County’s population experiencing homelessness. Current counting methods are resource-intensive—particularly for the unsheltered count—and likely yield an underestimate of people experiencing homelessness. These concerns have led to skepticism about the practicality of the PIT count, as well as confusion around funding allocations. The team conducted research over a four-month period, beginning late January 2021. The study relied on frequent meetings with Hennepin County, a literature review to learn about sampling methodologies and how other communities conduct their counts, and interviews with stakeholders and experts to better understand the PIT count process. The literature review revealed several innovative methods for sampling and estimating and the interviews highlighted concerns expressed by those directly involved with the process.