Columbia, South Carolina – Set to take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the United Way of the Midlands is encouraging community members to volunteer in the 2025 Point-in- Time (PIT) Homelessness Count. A pillar of the continuous fight against homelessness, this annual project offers essential information guiding policies and initiatives meant to provide stable housing for underprivileged individuals.
Conducted around the country and mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the PIT Count provides a glimpse of homelessness within a single night. The results not only clarify the extent of homelessness among people and families but also affect financing decisions and the development of targeted approaches to handle this urgent problem.
A call to action for volunteers
The PIT Count’s effectiveness depends much on the contributions made by volunteers, who are the heart of the project. By working together, participants will assist to record the extent of homelessness in their area and link people with necessary resources and services. The information gathered during the count supports policies and financial distribution meant to adequately address housing poverty, therefore impacting important decisions.
This isn’t just about number; it’s also about seeing people, hearing their stories, and supporting a caring society striving to eliminate homelessness. The organization is encouraging individuals, families, community groups, and organizations to volunteer. There is no previous experience required since complete guidance will guarantee that every participant feels competent and confident.
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What volunteers can expect
Volunteering for the PIT Count involves more than just showing up; it’s about engaging with the community and making a meaningful impact. Here’s what participants can expect:
- Mandatory Training: Volunteers must attend a training session on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, to learn the methodologies and guidelines of the PIT Count. For those unable to attend in person, a video training option will be available.
- Team Effort: Volunteers will work in groups to conduct surveys and observations in designated areas, ensuring broad coverage and accurate data collection.
- Flexible Shifts: The counts typically occur during evening or early morning hours, and volunteers can choose shifts that best suit their availability.
Making a difference
People who volunteer will directly assist their community to solve one of its most important issues. Beyond collecting data, the experience fosters empathy and awareness, empowering participants to become advocates for change.
This is a chance to not only see the reality of homelessness but also participate in a project aiming at guaranteeing everyone has a safe place to live.
Getting involved
Signing up to volunteer is simple. Interested participants can visit [the United Way of the Midlands volunteer or contact Brandi Ross at [email protected] for more information.
Why it matters
The PIT Count is not only about satisfying a statutory mandate, but also about creating a community that supports its most vulnerable individuals. Each volunteer contributes to a larger goal: creating a society in which homelessness is rare, temporary, and nonrecurring.
The United Way of the Midlands encourages locals to participate in this important campaign as the January 22 date quickly approaches. All of us can have a better future together through the power of common compassion and dedication.
 Homelessness Count on Jan. 22){kind=link}