Columbia Prepares for 2025 PIT Homelessness Count

News Summary

Columbia is gearing up for the United Way’s 2025 Point-In-Time (PIT) Count set for January 22, 2025. Volunteers from the community are needed to assist in measuring homelessness in the area. A mandatory training session will take place on January 15, giving volunteers essential tools to help carry out the count. This initiative is vital for addressing the growing homelessness crisis, which has seen an 18.1% increase nationwide. Those interested in making a difference are encouraged to sign up online or via email.

Columbia Gears Up for Annual PIT Homelessness Count: Volunteers Needed!

In a heartfelt effort to tackle the pressing issue of homelessness, Columbia is inviting community members to come together for the United Way of the Midlands’ 2025 Point-In-Time (PIT) Count, scheduled for January 22, 2025. This year, the urgency for help is higher than ever, as recent reports indicate a staggering 18.1% increase in homelessness nationwide, making it crucial for every hand to help.

What is the PIT Count?

The PIT Count is a mandated initiative by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its primary goal is simple yet impactful: to measure the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a single night. The data collected from this event lays the groundwork for securing enormous funding and creating long-lasting solutions to address homelessness.

Get Involved—Your Help is Needed!

This is where you come in! The United Way is actively seeking volunteers from all walks of life—from eager individuals and families to community groups and organizations. Everyone is encouraged to lend a hand and play a role in making a difference in people’s lives.

Training Before the Big Night

Before the official count takes place, there will be a mandatory training session for all volunteers on January 15, 2025. This session is designed to equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge about the PIT Count methodology and guidelines. Don’t worry if you’re new to this; the training will ensure you feel confident and ready as you step into your important role.

How Will the Counting Work?

On the evening and early morning hours of January 22, volunteers will form teams tasked with gathering essential information. This involves conducting surveys and making real-time observations, so being part of this group not only supports the community but also empowers you to engage directly with those in need.

Why Volunteers Matter

As the number of homeless individuals swells, the stories behind these statistics often paint a harsh picture of reality. For instance, many are at risk due to a combination of reasons such as a lack of affordable housing, the consequences of natural disasters, and increased migrant influxes. During the last PIT count in January 2024, over 770,000 people were recorded as homeless, but keep in mind, this count doesn’t even account for those who are temporarily staying with friends or family.

Tough Times Require Tough Actions

The winter months can be incredibly tough for those without stable housing. Individuals like William Wallace have shared distressing insights into the cruel conditions faced by homeless people during this time. But by volunteering for the PIT Count, you can help shine a light on these hidden challenges while helping to gather vital data that can eventually lead to social and systemic improvements.

How to Sign Up

If you’re feeling inspired and want to take that leap to help your community, signing up to volunteer is easy! You can either register online or reach out via email for more information. Organizations should also consider coming together to make a bigger impact.

Let’s Make a Difference Together!

As Columbia gears up for the 2025 PIT Count, it’s a perfect opportunity for everyone to play a part in alleviating the struggles within our community. If you’ve ever thought about ways to get involved or felt a spark of compassion towards those in need, now is your moment to step forward. Together, we can create a brighter future, one count at a time. Help Columbia by becoming a vital part of this year’s PIT Count!

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Additional Resources

• WLTX: Volunteers Needed for PIT Count
• Columbia Missourian: US Homelessness Hits Record
• KOMU: Supreme Court Case on Homelessness
• The State: Local News on Homelessness
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States