Annual Point-in-Time Count

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a nationwide event that occurs every year to capture a count of the number of people experiencing homelessness in our nation. Each county in our state is responsible for conducting its PIT count coordinated by a county representative. The PIT Count is important because it allows for crucial data that is needed for The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue federal funding for programs that provide resources to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity prevention. The shareable data is what is needed to present at the time of enrolling programs for funding.

Overview

In 2023, several community leaders, as members of the Residential Empowerment Coalition, gathered alongside the Lowcountry Continuum of Care to conduct the PIT Count in a strategic and collaborative effort to make sure Beaufort County reported the most accurate count possible. Our county’s collaborative effort was the largest count conducted to date and yielded success in securing federal funding for many agencies that work directly with individuals experiencing homelessness. We are working to maintain that momentum going forward. 

The PIT Count could not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our community leaders, organizations, and volunteers. However, we understand that scheduling can be an issue and we have other ways you can assist in this county-wide initiative. To support in individuals experiencing homelessness, and to incentivize them to participate in the count, we give out gratitude bags to participants we encounter. The contents of the bags included items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand warmers, headlamps or flashlights with batteries, socks, underwear, t-shirts, environmentally friendly wipes and toiletries, reusable water bottles, and food items. Also inside the gratitude bags was information on community resources. Through this effort, we were able to connect many individuals with resources.

Participation and Donations

So, how can you help? We are asking community members to help us acquire the items we put in our gratitude bags. This can be by donations of the items themselves, or through a monetary donation made to the United Way of the Lowcountry donation link. If you would like to donate items, or make a donation via check, please reach out to our PIT Count Coordinator, Ana Ramirez at 843-941-8997 or ana.ramirez@bcgov.net to coordinate pick-up or drop-off. 100% of these donations are used to provide goods and services to individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Please reach out to the PIT Count Coordinator if you have any questions or concerns. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please contact us directly!