Indiana prepares for annual count of individuals experiencing homelessness

 The statewide annual count of individuals experiencing homelessness will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. Service providers and volunteers in local communities across Indiana will be conducting the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count for the Indiana Balance of State (BOS) Continuum of Care (CoC) in 91 of the 92 counties in the state. Marion County (Indianapolis) conducts its own PIT Count.

The purpose of this annual count of people experiencing unsheltered or sheltered homelessness is to provide an easy-to understand data point that helps state and local leaders measure progress toward ending homelessness and helps plan services and programs to appropriately address local needs. The sheltered count is conducted at emergency shelters, transitional housing and safe haven projects across 16 regions that make up the Indiana BOS.

"It is essential to have an accurate Point-in-Time Count so that Indiana policymakers understand what needs to be done and what progress is being made," said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "It also ensures Indiana receives the resources we need to address the critical issue of homelessness and help some of the most vulnerable Hoosiers around the state."

It is critical that every county is engaged in the PIT Count so that IN BoS CoC can get the most accurate count possible. To make this PIT Count happen, hundreds of service providers and volunteers throughout the state work together to canvass their communities to find individuals experiencing homelessness. They are trained in the use of the PIT survey, best practices for approaching and interviewing those experiencing homelessness, exercising trauma-informed approaches and other necessary information that prepares participants for a successful experience. 

"Understanding the homeless population within our state is an essential step toward building a community where no one is left behind," said Jake Sipe, Executive Director of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). "Recognizing the faces and stories of those experiencing homelessness allows us to confront the systemic issues that perpetuate this crisis."

More information about the PIT Count can be found here. Those interested in volunteering can reach out to their regional PIT Coordinators prior to participating in the count. For past PIT Count results, please visit our website here.