Hays County coalition to conduct homelessness count

The Homeless Coalition of Hays County is set to conduct a count of individuals who are staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing and unsheltered locations throughout Hays County later this month.

The count, formally known as the Point in Time Count, will take place on Thursday, Jan. 26, with the aim of providing a snapshot of the individuals and families experiencing homelessness over the course of one night. Both sheltered — those living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or hotels paid for by voucher — and unsheltered — those living in cars, outdoor encampments, other places not meant for human habitation — populations will be counted. Part of a national effort, the PIT Count will take place simultaneously in communities across the country, as mandated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In addition to gathering a headcount of those experiencing homelessness, volunteers are also asked to gather information about the demographic characteristics of the survey participants, information related to their experience with homelessness and connect them to potential resources.

The Hays County coalition’s effort is made in association with the Texas Homeless Network, a nonprofit, membershipbased organization helping communities prevent and end homelessness.

“The PIT Count helps us understand how homelessness changes over time across numerous variables such as economic conditions, societal factors, and policy advancement,” THN’s website states. “It also gives us an opportunity to spread awareness, engage and build relationships with our unhoused neighbors.”

Over a 24-hour period, trained volunteers will count and survey those experiencing homelessness to provide a “snapshot” of the number of people experiencing homelessness in Hays County and the key characteristics of those individuals and families, the coalition said.

The Point-In-Time Count is expected to improve the coalition’s understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people experiencing homelessness in the local community. The findings of the count will be shared with Hays County officials and the city of San Marcos as they strategize ways to address the problem.

For more on the PIT Count, go to the Homeless Coalition of Hays County’s Facebook page. There, you can register for the training, sign up to be a volunteer and get more information.