This summer on July 28-29, many Iowa counties are performing a summer Point-in-Time (PiT) Count! We last performed a PiT Count in January, which resulted in getting numbers on homelessness levels for counties where we had never known numbers before. This was great news, since it’s important for us to know the extent of the problem in each county so we can better find solutions. Plus these numbers are used to determine valuable HUD funding!
We are expecting a significant increase in the number of counties participating in the count this summer. Our goal is 40 counties, which almost doubles participation from past summer counts, and we’re very excited for this increased interest! With the difficulties caused by COVID-19 during the last count, the summer count will help supplement some of the data we weren’t able to gather. The summer count will also be great practice for the official winter count next year! There is a lot that community leaders learn through doing the count about how it works best for their community, and lessons learned this summer can be implemented next winter.
The PiT Count this summer is going to look a little different from what it looked like in January. The winter PiT Count was observational in most Iowa counties due to the pandemic, but this summer more Iowa counties are going beyond just counting by also surveying each individual found. This will give us really valuable data about homelessness trends in Iowa. With the influx of rental assistance resources available right now, we also are putting an emphasis on identifying people in the weeks ahead of the count who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. This will not only make conducting the actual count on July 28 easier, it will also allow us to connect these individuals with resources to help them obtain housing.
It is also the goal in many Iowa counties to give away supply backpacks to individuals we encounter as a thank you for participating in the survey. These supply backpacks will include things like non-perishable snacks, hygiene supplies, socks, and gift cards. This is one area where community leaders in each county will have a large volunteer need. If you would like to help by soliciting donations, donating supplies, or putting together supply backpacks, contact us and we’ll put you in touch with the leader for your county!
Home Forward Iowa’s role in this year’s summer count is largely a technical assistance and support role. We are helping counties plan for the count, training leaders in how to perform the count, and raising awareness of the count.
Part of our role is helping to spread the word about the need for volunteers. Each region will need volunteers to physically conduct the count on the night of July 28, which will include checking out known locations, surveying individuals found experiencing unsheltered homelessness, and giving out supply backpacks. Your participation in this count can make a big difference in the fight against homelessness in Iowa!
To learn more or to sign up to volunteer or donate, contact us at 515-223-7710 or at PointinTime@homeforwardiowa.org.
